A Study on Sustainable and Innovative Extraction Techniques used for Bioactive Compounds from Agro-Industrial Wastes and Plants

Abstract

Agro-industrial waste is increasingly recognized as a promising source of bioactive phytochemicals such as phenolic compounds, carotenoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Recovering and utilizing these compounds present a strategic pathway for reducing environmental impact while simultaneously offering a source of natural antioxidants. This study reviews advanced extraction methodologies employed in the isolation of phenolic compounds and other phytochemicals from raw fruits, vegetables, and their industrial residues. Various conventional and advanced extraction techniques such as maceration, digestion, decoction, soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) are briefly discussed along with studies that utilized them. Researchers placed particular emphasis on identifying the optimal extraction parameters including extraction time, temperature, pressure, solvent type, and its concentration to assess the effectiveness of various extraction techniques. UAE, MAE and SFE techniques are reported with less consumption of solvents and result with better extraction yields in lesser extraction time as compared to traditional extraction methods. Employing green solvents could not only enhance recovery efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the overall load of agro waste.