Green Extraction Methods: Unlocking Bioactive Potential for Natural Food Products and Functional Foods

Dear Colleagues,

The extraction of bioactive compounds from agricultural and food materials is undergoing a significant shift towards eco-friendly approaches, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and renewability. This transformation is motivated by the urgent need to mitigate the environmental and health impacts associated with conventional solvent extraction methods. As a result, there is a growing exploration of safer and more sustainable alternatives. Driven by the rising demand for natural food products and functional foods, the investigation of green extraction methods has gained substantial momentum. These methods not only strive to enhance the bioactive potential of natural compounds but also prioritize minimizing their ecological footprint.

This special issue focuses on the latest advancements in green extraction techniques such as supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction. Additionally, it aims to explore optimization parameters to maximize yield and bioactivity while addressing sustainability concerns through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly solvents. Characterization of extracted bioactive compounds and their applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements will also be highlighted, alongside regulatory challenges and comparative studies against traditional extraction methods, providing a comprehensive overview.

Dr. Alena Stupar
Dr. Aleksandra Mišan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• bioactive compounds
• eco-friendly approaches
• green extraction techniques
• optimization parameters
• eco-friendly solvents
• food technology
• functional foods