Search Results (794)

This study provides a thorough examination of the utilization of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) for the extraction of 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) from effluent, with an emphasis on a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. The extraction efficacy of six HDES systems was initially evaluated, and the combinations of thymol/camphor (Thy/Cam) and menthol/thymol (Men/Thy) exhibited superior performance. Subsequently, these two HDESs were chosen for a comprehensive parametric analysis. The impact of contact time demonstrated that extraction equilibrium was reached at 15 min for both systems, thereby achieving a balance between high efficiency and time efficiency. Next, the impact of the HDES-to-water mass ratio was investigated. A 1:1 ratio was determined to be the most effective, as it minimized solvent consumption and provided high efficiency. An additional examination of the molar ratios of the HDES components revealed that the 1:1 ratio exhibited the most effective extraction performance. This was due to the fact that imbalances in the solvent mixture resulted in diminished efficiency as a result of disrupted molecular interactions. The extraction efficiency was significantly influenced by the initial concentration of 1,2-DCA, with higher concentrations resulting in superior results as a result of the increased mass transfer driving forces. In general, the Men/Thy and Thy/Cam systems have shown noteworthy stability and efficiency under different conditions, which makes them highly suitable for large-scale applications. Full article

Background: Olive pomace, a byproduct of olive oil production, represents approximately 85% of the processed material and poses environmental risks when improperly discarded. Its composition is rich in polyphenols with potential for cosmetic use, especially in skin barrier care. Objective: To develop a natural extract rich in antioxidants from olive pomace using sustainable solvents (water and 1,3-propanediol) for skin barrier support. Methods: The phenolic composition and in vitro biological activities of the extracts were analyzed. Results: The extracts demonstrated a reducing capacity (15 to 33 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid content (4 to 5 mg QE/g). In addition, their antioxidant capacity was proven through the inhibition of the DPPH radical (7% to 91%) and ABTS (7% to 95%) and the reduction in oxidation in the beta-carotene/linoleic acid system (6% to 35%), presenting results superior to those of tocopherol acetate. The hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein compounds, ranging from 28 to 54 and 51 to 85 µg/mL, respectively, were quantified via HPLC. The extract with the highest levels of hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein was analyzed via UHPLC-QqTOF-MS, and 33 compounds were identified. This extract showed antiglycation activity (24% to 40%). The incorporation of this extract into a cosmetic emulsion resulted in sufficient antioxidant capacity to replace tocopherol acetate. Conclusions: The use of effective extraction techniques and nontoxic solvents ensures the sustainability and safety of the extract for application as a natural cosmetic ingredient, aiming to promote the health and integrity of the skin barrier. Full article

Laurus nobilis L. is a widely cultivated plant, used for ornamental purposes, as a high-value spice crop, and in the flavor and fragrance industry. In natural medicine, it is well-known for its many beneficial properties (due to a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds) and used for the treatment of different disorders. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), coupled with microwave activation, were studied and applied for a green extraction of L. nobilis leaves. The main objective was to obtain a sustainable and multifunctional cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredient (the NaDES-based extract itself), exploiting both the intrinsic cosmetic functionalities of NaDES components and the biological properties of laurel bioactive compounds. The most promising candidate was obtained from a eutectic system containing betaine, glycerol, and lactic acid. The evaluation of this NaDES-based complex reveals a considerable number of phenolic compounds (around 11.57 mg of gallic acid equivalents for a gram of fresh leaves) and a notable antioxidant activity (80.1% with respect to Trolox), with values quite constant over a period of six months. The complex exhibits effective antimicrobial activity against different Gram-positive (S. aureus and S. epidermidis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains, with concentrations ranging from 3.8 to 7.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract presents a pleasant fragrance, attributable to the selective extraction of different volatile aromatic compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Full article

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) pods are an underexploited by-product of legume production with significant antioxidant potential. Their recovery and characterization support sustainable waste valorization in agri-food systems. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds (PCs) with antioxidant capacity (AOC) from cowpea pods and identify key bioactives through experimental and theoretical approaches. First, high-intensity ultrasound extraction was optimized using response surface methodology with ethanol–water mixtures. Under optimal conditions (20% amplitude, 15 min, 50% ethanol), the ethanolic extract (Eo) showed higher total phenolic content (TPC) and AOC than the aqueous extract (Wo). Subsequently, fractionation by Sephadex LH-20 chromatography yielded fractions E2 and W2 with enhanced TPC and AOC. Phytochemical profiling showed that E2 was enriched in caftaric acid, p-coumaric acid, and morin, while W2 had higher levels of caftaric, p-coumaric, and caffeic acids. Finally, density functional theory was used to assess thermodynamic parameters linked to antioxidant mechanisms (HAT, SET-PT, SPLET), revealing morin as the most effective radical scavenger, followed by caffeic and caftaric acids. These findings show that AOC depends not only on phenolic concentration but also on molecular structure and solvent interactions. Thus, cowpea pod extracts and fractions hold promise for antioxidant-rich formulations in food, nutraceutical, or cosmetic applications. Full article

Growing interest in sustainable functional food ingredients has accelerated the search for green extraction methods for bioactive compounds. This study systematically evaluates the use of three emerging green solvents, namely γ-valerolactone (GVL), Cyrene™, and ethyl lactate (EL), as alternatives to conventional solvents for extracting phenolic antioxidants from rose hip (Rosa canina L.) fruit. Using maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), we compared extraction efficiency, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity across various solvent systems and techniques. Our results demonstrate that MAE consistently provided the highest extraction yields and phenolic recovery, particularly when using ethanol or ethanol/green solvent mixtures. While pure green solvents showed lower extraction efficiency than ethanol, certain binary mixtures, especially GVL with ethanol, delivered promising results both in phenolic yield and antioxidant activity, without significant interference in standard assays. Additionally, while Cyrene™ consistently yielded low extraction efficiencies and low levels of phenolic compounds, its extracts were unique in exhibiting selectivity and stimulated fibroblast migration in vitro, suggesting additional functional benefits for health applications. Overall, our findings support the practical use of selected green solvents in sustainable extraction protocols for food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. Full article

Background/objectives: Propolis, known for its medicinal properties, faces challenges in pharmaceutical applications due to its low aqueous solubility, attributed to its resinous and hydrophobic nature. This limits oral administration, reducing its bioavailability and pharmacological activities. To overcome these barriers, cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides, are widely studied as carrier systems that enhance the solubility and bioavailability of propolis and other nonpolar compounds. This study aimed to review patents that developed innovative therapeutic approaches to improve the physicochemical and biological properties of propolis through complexation with CDs. Methods: Active and application patents registered over the last 17 years were searched across multiple databases, resulting in the selection of eight inventions for detailed analysis. Results: These patents highlight therapeutic applications of propolis–CD systems for conditions such as diabetes and skin and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as antimicrobial, immunostimulant, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, novel extraction processes free of organic solvents, including nanometric-scale powder extracts, are described. Conclusions: Findings from scientific articles support the patent data, demonstrating that CD complexation significantly enhances the solubility and therapeutic efficacy of propolis. Thus, these patents present an innovative and promising strategy for developing propolis-based pharmaceutical products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Verbena officinalis L. (common vervain) is a medicinal plant traditionally used and investigated in phytotherapy for its neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the phytochemical diversity and biological activity of V. officinalis extracts prepared with different ratios of butanol and ethanol. Methods: Aerial parts of V. officinalis were extracted using four solvent systems: 100% butanol (B1), 75:25 (BE7.5), 50:50 (BE5), and 25:75 (BE2.5) butanol:ethanol mixtures. Metabolite profiling was conducted using liquid chromatography–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). Antioxidant activities were evaluated through six assays: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal-chelating ability (MCA), and the phosphomolybdenum assay (PMA). Enzyme inhibition assays targeted acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, and α-amylase. Antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was tested via microdilution, while dominant phytochemicals were evaluated for binding affinity through molecular docking. Results: Seventy-five compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, phenylethanoids, and xanthones, were identified. BE5 extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content and strongest antioxidant capacity, while BE2.5 demonstrated the greatest antibacterial and metal-chelating effects. All extracts showed comparable AChE inhibition, with BE5 achieving the strongest tyrosinase and α-amylase inhibition. Docking studies confirmed high binding affinities of luteolin glucuronides to human and bacterial target enzymes. Conclusions: Solvent composition markedly influenced the chemical and biological profiles of V. officinalis extracts. BE5 and BE2.5 emerged as promising systems for obtaining bioactive fractions with therapeutic potential. Full article

In offshore oil and gas extraction, riser pipes serve as the first isolation barrier for wellbore integrity, playing a crucial role in ensuring operational safety. Protective coatings represent an effective measure for corrosion prevention in riser pipes. To address issues such as electrochemical corrosion and poor adhesion of existing coatings, this study developed an underwater-curing composite material based on a polyisobutylene (PIB) and butyl rubber (IIR) blend system. The material simultaneously exhibits high peel strength, low water absorption, and stability across a wide temperature range. First, the contradiction between material elasticity and strength was overcome through the synergistic effect of medium molecular weight PIB internal plasticization and IIR crosslinking networks. Second, stable peel strength across a wide temperature range (−45 °C to 80 °C) was achieved by utilizing the interfacial effects of nano-fillers. Subsequently, an innovative solvent-free two-component epoxy system was developed, combining medium molecular weight PIB internal plasticization, nano-silica hydrogen bond reinforcement, and latent curing agent regulation. This system achieves rapid surface drying within 30 min underwater and pull-off strength exceeding 3.5 MPa. Through systematic laboratory testing and field application experiments on offshore oil and gas well risers, the material’s fundamental properties and operational performance were determined. Results indicate that the material exhibits a peel strength of 5 N/cm on offshore oil risers, significantly extending the service life of the riser pipes. This research provides theoretical foundation and technical support for improving the efficiency and reliability of repair processes for offshore oil riser pipes. Full article

Olive leaves, the main byproducts of olive cultivation, are characterized by a plethora of bioactive metabolites with significant nutritional value. Their main pentacyclic triterpenes, Oleanolic Acid (OA) and Maslinic Acid (MA), are two high added-value compounds with remarkable activities. This study aimed to develop an efficient methodology for extracting and purifying OA and MA, utilizing Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC)—two modern, scalable, and green techniques. A total of 21 g of olive leaves were subjected to SFE using supercritical CO₂ and ethanol as co-solvent. The extraction employed a step gradient mode, starting with 100% CO₂ and incrementally increasing ethanol (0–10% w/w) every 20 min. Fractions rich in OA and MA (500 mg) were further purified via CPC, utilizing pH zone refining to exploit the protonation and deprotonation properties of acidic triterpenes. The biphasic solvent system consisted of n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water (8:2:5:5 v/v/v/v), with trifluoroacetic acid added to the stationary phase and triethylamine added to the mobile phase. This two-step process yielded 89.5 mg of OA and 28.5 mg of MA with over 95% purity, as confirmed by HPLC-ELSD and ¹H-NMR. Moreover, purified compounds and SFE fractions exhibited promising elastase and collagenase inhibition, highlighting them as dermocosmetic agents. Full article

Expandable films represent a promising gastroretentive drug delivery system, offering prolonged gastric retention and sustained drug release features particularly advantageous for obesity treatment. This study developed high-expansion films using konjac and various low glycemic index starches, including purple potato, brown rice, resistant, and red jasmine rice starches, in combination with chitosan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) E15. Garcinia extract was incorporated into the films using the solvent casting technique. Among 27 formulations, all demonstrated rapid unfolding (within 15 min) and significant expansion (2-4 folds). Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the active component, was encapsulated at efficiencies exceeding 80% w/w. The konjac-based films exhibited favorable mechanical properties, expansion capacity, and drug content uniformity. Notably, the CK3-H1 formulation (2% w/v chitosan, 3% w/v konjac, 1% w/v HPMC E15) provided sustained HCA release over 8 h via diffusion. Cytotoxicity tests showed no toxic effects on RAW 264.7 macrophages at concentrations up to 400 μg/mL. Furthermore, CK3-H1 achieved notable nitric oxide inhibition (35.80 ± 1.21%) and the highest reduction in lipid accumulation (31.09 ± 3.15%) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, outperforming pure HCA and garcinia extract. These results suggest that expandable konjac-based films are a viable and effective delivery system for herbal anti-obesity agents. Full article

Next-generation recycling technologies must be urgently innovated to tackle huge volumes of spent batteries, photovoltaic panels or printed circuit boards (WPCBs). Current e-waste recycling industrial technology is dominated by traditional recycling technologies. Herein, ionic liquids (ILs), deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and promising oxidizing additives that can overcome some traditional recycling methods of metal ions from e-waste, used in our works from last year, are presented. The unique chemical environments of ILs and DESs, with the application of low-temperature extraction procedures, are important environmental aspects known as “Green Methods”. A closed-loop system for recycling zinc and manganese from the “black mass” (BM) of waste, Zn-MnO₂ batteries, is presented. The leaching process achieves a high efficiency and distribution ratio using the composition of two solvents (Cyanex 272 + diethyl phosphite (DPh)) for Zn(II) extraction. High extraction efficiency with 100% zinc and manganese recovery is also achieved using DESs (cholinum chloride/lactic acid, 1:2, DES 1, and cholinum chloride/malonic acid, 1:1, DES 2). New, greener recycling approaches to metal extraction from the BM of spent Li-ion batteries are presented with ILs ([N_8,8,8,1][Cl], (Aliquat 336), [P_6,6,6,14][Cl], [P_6,6,6,14][SCN] and [Benzet][TCM]) eight DESs, Cyanex 272 and D2EHPA. A high extraction efficiency of Li(I) (41–92 wt%) and Ni(II) (37–52 wt%) using (Cyanex 272 + DPh) is obtained. The recovery of Ni(II) and Cd(II) from the BM of spent Ni-Cd batteries is also demonstrated. The extraction efficiency of DES 1 and DES 2, contrary to ILs ([P_6,6,6,14][Cl] and [P_6,6,6,14][SCN]), is at the level of 30 wt% for Ni(II) and 100 wt% for Cd(II). In this mini-review, the option to use ILs, DESs and Cyanex 272 for the recovery of valuable metals from end-of-life WPCBs is presented. Next-generation recycling technologies, in contrast to the extraction of metals from acidic leachate preceded by thermal pre-treatment or from solid material only after thermal pre-treatment, have been developed with ILs and DESs using the ABS method, as well as Cyanex 272 (only after the thermal pre-treatment of WPCBs), with a process efficiency of 60–100 wt%. In this process, four new ILs are used: didecyldimethylammonium propionate, [N_10,10,1,1][C₂H₅COO], didecylmethylammonium hydrogen sulphate, [N_10,10,1,H][HSO₄], didecyldimethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate, [N_10,10,1,1][H₂PO₄], and tetrabutylphosphonium dihydrogen phosphate, [P_4,4,4,4][H₂PO₄]. The extraction of Cu(II), Ag(I) and other metals such as Al(III), Fe(II) and Zn(II) from solid WPCBs is demonstrated. Various additives are used during the extraction processes. The Analyst 800 atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS) is used for the determination of metal content in the solid BM. The ICP-OES method is used for metal analysis. The obtained results describe the possible application of ILs and DESs as environmental media for upcycling spent electronic wastes. Full article

The limited understanding of intermolecular interactions in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has restricted their rational design and broader application. In this study, a series of hydrophobic DESs (HDESs) were prepared using lidocaine as the hydrogen bond acceptor and various carboxylic acids as hydrogen bond donors. Their physicochemical properties, including density, viscosity, and thermal stability, were systematically characterized. Interactions between components were evaluated through excess molar volume, viscosity deviation, and Grunberg–Nissan parameters. Strong hydrogen bonding between lidocaine and carboxylic acids was confirmed, which weakened with increasing alkyl chain length of the acids. Furthermore, as the acid content in the mixture increased, lidocaine’s ability to disrupt the intrinsic hydrogen-bonding network of the carboxylic acids decreased, thereby weakening the hydrogen bonding interactions between the components. The extraction capability of the HDESs for cobalt ions was evaluated in aqueous systems. Cobalt, a key material in lithium-ion batteries and advanced alloys, is in rising demand due to clean energy development. The lidocaine/decanoic acid (1:2) system exhibited nearly 100% extraction efficiency, surpassing conventional extractants. The hydrophobic nature of the HDESs facilitated effective phase separation and reduced solvent loss. These findings provide theoretical insights and design principles for developing high performance HDESs tailored for environmentally friendly metal recovery, particularly in battery recycling and treatment of industrial wastewater. Full article

This study explored the extraction of genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)]-β-glucopyranoside (GTG) from Derris scandens using an aqueous-ethanol solvent system, aiming to optimize yield and antioxidant activity. Hansen solubility parameters (HSP) were employed to determine the optimal solvent composition, with the highest GTG yield (6.83 ± 0.06 mg/g dried weight) obtained from 50% ethanol—correlating well with HSP predictions. Ultrasonic extraction was most effective with solvents having a dielectric constant between 50 and 60. The antioxidant potential of isolated GTG was evaluated using the DPPH assay, which yielded an IC₅₀ of 87.86 ± 1.85 μM, and the FRAP assay, with a value of 34.23 ± 2.75 mg FeSO₄ equivalents. Molecular orbital analysis revealed HOMO and LUMO energy gaps (ΔE = 10.6715 eV) similar to known antioxidants such as gallic acid, ascorbic acid, Trolox, and quercetin. These findings demonstrate that HSP effectively guided solvent selection for ultrasound-assisted extraction of GTG. The antioxidant activity is attributed to GTG’s capacity to donate electrons and stabilize radicals via extended charge delocalization within the aglycone structure, confirming its potential as a natural antioxidant agent. Full article

The cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay, originally developed to measure the antioxidant capacity of nutritional products spectrophotometrically, utilized water as the solvent for Trolox. Due to the limited solubility of Trolox in aqueous solutions, the optimization of the solvent system was investigated to enhance analytical performance. Solvent combinations consisting of methanol, ethanol, and water were evaluated to identify the mixture that ensures complete dissolution and maximum absorbance signal, using a ternary plot diagram and mathematical modeling. A methanol/water ratio of 0.64:0.36 was identified as the optimal solvent composition. Under these conditions, the CUPRAC assay demonstrated a linear range of 0–50 μM, a limit of detection of 0.91 μM, and a limit of quantification of 2.75 μM. Precision, expressed as the coefficient of variation, was below 5%, and accuracy—defined as the deviation between nominal and back-calculated concentrations—remained within ±7.0%, in accordance with the variation range recommended by the International Committee on Harmonization. The estimated molar absorption coefficient at the optimized solvent ratio (ε_Trolox = 2.62 × 10⁴ L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹) was applied to determine the antioxidant capacity of fish commercial feed ingredients containing a mixture of rosemary and olive extracts. Full article

The rapid growth in lithium-ion battery (LIB) demand has underscored the urgent need for sustainable recycling methods to recover critical metals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. Traditional pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical approaches often suffer from high energy consumption, environmental impact, and limited metal selectivity. As an emerging alternative, solvometallurgy, and in particular the use of low-melting mixtures solvents, including deep eutectic solvents, offers a low-temperature, tunable, and potentially more environmentally compatible pathway for black mass processing. This review presents a comprehensive assessment of the recent advances (2020–2025) in the application of LoMMSs for metal recovery from LCO and NCM cathodes, analyzing 71 reported systems across binary, ternary, hydrated, and non-ChCl-based solvent families. Extraction efficiencies, reaction kinetics, coordination mechanisms, and solvent recyclability are critically evaluated, highlighting how solvent structure influences performance and selectivity. Particular attention is given to the challenges of lithium recovery, solvent degradation, and environmental trade-offs such as energy usage, waste generation, and chemical stability. A comparative synthesis identifies the most promising systems based on their mechanistic behavior and industrial relevance. The future outlook emphasizes the need for greener formulations, enhanced lithium selectivity, and life-cycle integration to support circular economy goals in battery recycling. Full article