The NANOBIOPOL research group in the University of Alicante (Spain) has developed high expertise and know-how in the use of microwave assisted extraction for the valorization of agricultural residues from different origins. Our group has optimized green extraction methods based on microwave assisted extraction (MAE) to isolate and purify valuable chemicals with different functionalities. These chemicals have been obtained from a broad range of agricultural residues as well as other natural sources common in the Mediterranean region.<br/>Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is growing as a valid extraction technique due to the time saving, high efficiency, selectivity, green solvent use and low energy consumption, compared to conventional extraction procedures. Agricultural residues have been increasingly exploited to isolate and purify bioactive compounds, and recent studies have reported on the antioxidant potential of by-products of fruits<br/>Within the scope of four different H2020 European Projects and other national research programmes, our research group has optimized MAE protocols in different agro-food by-products as to evaluate its potential to extract different polysaccharides and functional compounds (pigments, antimicrobials, antioxidants, natural fragrances, reinforcing agents), either within a cascade sequential approach, or in parallel. The extraction was optimized according to multilevel factorial designs and response surface methodologies, keeping subsequent scale-up processes in mind to get isolated and highly pure chemicals with specific functionalities. These studies showed the potential of MAE to selectively and sequentially extract natural pigments (lemon, pomegranate), pectins (lemon, pomegranate, cocoa), polyphenols and essential oils with antimicrobial and/or antioxidant performance (lemon, mushroom, pomegranate, aromatic herbs, cocoa, <i>A. vera)</i>, glucans (mushroom) or cellulose and xylan reinforcing fibers with antioxidant properties (almond, pomegranate). These chemicals can be further added to polymer and biopolymer matrices to obtain multifunctional formulations opening a broad range of functionalities. Apart from the end-users involved in the different consortia, these extracts have a wide potential interest as additives in nutraceuticals, cleaning products, chemicals, bioplastics, construction, automotive, packaging or biomedical applications, as a green cost-effective alternative to traditional ones.

Sustainable microwave assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural residues

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

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