Il-based advanced techniques for the extraction of value-added compounds from natural sources and food by-products

Abstract

In recent years, the use of ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents for different extraction techniques has received great attention by their outstanding advantages over conventional organic solvents. ILs are considered environmentally-friendly solvents and they offer some advantageous properties to be used in extraction systems such as low toxicity; non-volatility; non-flammability; high ionic conductivity; and different polarity, hydrophobicity and selectivity. In this sense, their use in combination with advanced extraction techniques, such as microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) or subcritical water extraction (SWE), is continuously increasing. This review presents an overview of the latest developments and applications of ILs combined with advanced extraction techniques to obtain bioactive compounds from natural sources and food by-products, which constitute a synergistic approach to contribute to the circular economy by revalorising waste and reducing the use of toxic solvents.