Green Extraction of Natural Products: Concept and Principles

Green Extraction of Natural Products: Concept and Principles

11 July 2012 | Farid Chemat, Maryline Abert Vian and Giancarlo Cravotto
The article discusses the concept and principles of green extraction of natural products, emphasizing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in the extraction of natural compounds. It outlines six key principles of green extraction: innovation through the use of renewable plant resources, the use of alternative solvents such as water or agro-solvents, reduction of energy consumption through energy recovery and innovative technologies, production of co-products instead of waste to integrate the bio and agro-refining industry, reduction of unit operations through technical innovation and favoring safe, robust, and controlled processes, and aiming for a non-denatured and biodegradable extract without contaminants. The text highlights the environmental impact of traditional extraction methods, which often require significant energy and solvent use, and the need to develop more sustainable alternatives. It discusses various green extraction techniques, including the use of alternative solvents like ethanol, d-limonene, and ionic liquids, as well as supercritical CO₂ extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. The article also emphasizes the importance of reducing energy consumption and waste, and the integration of co-products into the production process to enhance sustainability. The principles of green extraction are illustrated through examples such as the sustainable production of paclitaxel from yew trees, the use of plant milking technology for rare plants, and the application of supercritical CO₂ extraction for essential oils. The text also discusses the importance of life cycle analysis (LCA) in assessing the environmental impact of extraction processes and the need for a holistic approach that considers the entire supply chain, from raw material production to product disposal. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of green extraction in meeting the challenges of the 21st century, protecting the environment and consumers, and promoting more ecological, economic, and innovative industries. The article calls for the development of green labels and standards to identify and promote sustainable extraction practices.The article discusses the concept and principles of green extraction of natural products, emphasizing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in the extraction of natural compounds. It outlines six key principles of green extraction: innovation through the use of renewable plant resources, the use of alternative solvents such as water or agro-solvents, reduction of energy consumption through energy recovery and innovative technologies, production of co-products instead of waste to integrate the bio and agro-refining industry, reduction of unit operations through technical innovation and favoring safe, robust, and controlled processes, and aiming for a non-denatured and biodegradable extract without contaminants. The text highlights the environmental impact of traditional extraction methods, which often require significant energy and solvent use, and the need to develop more sustainable alternatives. It discusses various green extraction techniques, including the use of alternative solvents like ethanol, d-limonene, and ionic liquids, as well as supercritical CO₂ extraction and microwave-assisted extraction. The article also emphasizes the importance of reducing energy consumption and waste, and the integration of co-products into the production process to enhance sustainability. The principles of green extraction are illustrated through examples such as the sustainable production of paclitaxel from yew trees, the use of plant milking technology for rare plants, and the application of supercritical CO₂ extraction for essential oils. The text also discusses the importance of life cycle analysis (LCA) in assessing the environmental impact of extraction processes and the need for a holistic approach that considers the entire supply chain, from raw material production to product disposal. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of green extraction in meeting the challenges of the 21st century, protecting the environment and consumers, and promoting more ecological, economic, and innovative industries. The article calls for the development of green labels and standards to identify and promote sustainable extraction practices.
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Understanding Green Extraction of Natural Products%3A Concept and Principles