Search Results (1,310)

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant global health burden, exacerbated by the ongoing climate emergency, which alters disease distribution and increases vulnerability in affected populations. The urgent need for novel therapeutics demands innovative approaches in drug discovery, with heterocyclic compounds serving as versatile scaffolds due to their diverse electronic and structural properties that enable potent biological activity. This review highlights how green chemistry principles have been applied to the construction of bioactive heterocyclic cores relevant to NTD drug development. Key sustainable methodologies are discussed, including microwave-assisted solvent-free and green-solvent reactions, ultrasound-assisted synthesis, mechanochemical one-pot multistep strategies, and the use of ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents as environmentally benign catalysts and reaction media. By focusing on these approaches, the review emphasizes how green synthetic strategies can accelerate the development of pharmacologically relevant heterocycles while minimizing environmental impact, resource consumption, and hazardous waste generation. Full article

Betaine (BET)-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising substitutes for traditional organic solvents owing to their eco-friendly properties and versatility in various applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status and future perspectives of BET-based DESs, highlighting their definition, characteristics, and mechanisms of eutectic formation. The unique properties of BET, including its biodegradability and non-toxicity, make it an attractive hydrogen bond acceptor in the formulation of DESs. The review discusses common methods for preparing BET-based DESs and emphasizes their applications in extraction processes, catalysis, biocompatibility, and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally, challenges such as stability and fluidity limitations are addressed, along with regulatory and safety considerations. Future directions suggest an increasing industrial application of BET-based DESs in environmentally sustainable processes within the food and pharmaceutical sectors, underlining their potential as green solvents in next-generation chemical methodologies. Full article

Pineapple waste is an underexplored source for producing nanocomposites, from which nanocellulose, namely cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) or cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), can be produced. This review summarizes extraction methods from different pineapple residues (leaves, crown leaves, stem, peel, pulp, and pomace), covering top-down processes (hydrolysis, oxidation, carboxymethylation, and mechanical fibrillation) and bottom-up strategies (ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents). The review examines the influence of the morphology and crystallinity of nanocellulose on the functional performance of the nanocomposites. Strategies for processing pineapple-derived nanocellulose composites are analyzed by technique (solution casting, film stacking, and melt blending/extrusion) and polymer matrices (starch, PVA, chitosan, PLA, PHBV, PBAT, proteins, and polysaccharides), including typical loading levels for most polymer-reinforced systems (0.5–5 wt.%), while higher levels (15–50 wt.%) are used in particular cases such as PVA, CMC, and cellulosic matrices. The impact on mechanical strength, barrier behavior, UV shielding, and optical properties is summarized, along with reports of self-reinforced and hybrid cellulose-derived matrices. A benchmarking section was prepared to show nanocellulose loading ranges, trends in properties, and processing-relevant information categorized by type of matrix. Finally, the review describes the potential roles of pineapple waste within a bioeconomy context and identifies some extraction by-products that could be incorporated into diverse value chains. Full article

This work presents a facile one-pot synthesis strategy for highly strong and tough eutectogels. The exceptional mechanical performance (average stress: 3.8 MPa; average strain: 920%) stems from synergistic trivalent aluminum(III)–ligand coordination crosslinking and extensive hydrogen bonding within the network. The optimized proportion has achieved a balance between mechanical stress and strain. Reversible bonding enables rapid energy dissipation and elastic recovery. A flexible strain sensor fabricated from this eutectogel demonstrates high sensitivity (gauge factor > 2) and ultrafast response (200 ms), validating its potential as low-cost electronic skin. This research provides a foundational framework for developing sustainable, high-performance flexible. Full article

We have fabricated amorphous tin oxide (a-SnO_x) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with Al₂O₃ gate insulator from deep eutectic solvents (DESs). DESs were formed using the chloride derivates of each precursor (SnCl₂, or AlCl₃) mixed with urea. The DESs were then used as precursors for the semiconductor and dielectric. Our target was to form extremely thin semiconductor film, and a sufficient high capacitance insulator. We characterized the physical and chemical properties of the DES-derived thin films by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). We could evaluate that the highest content of metal–oxygen bonds was from the DES condition SnCl₂–urea = 1:3. At a low 300 °C budget temperature, we could fabricate a 3.2 nm thick a-SnO_x layer and 30 nm thick Al₂O₃, from which the TFT demonstrated a mobility of 80 ± 17 cm²/Vs, threshold voltage of −0.29 ± 0.06 V, and subthreshold swing of 88 ± 11 mV/dec. The proposed process is adequate with the back-end of the line (BEOL) process, but it is also eco-friendly because of the use of DESs. Full article

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), the primary by-product of beer production, represents a promising and sustainable source of plant-based protein. This review provides a comprehensive overview of extraction techniques for brewer’s spent grain protein (BSGP), encompassing conventional methods—such as alkaline, hydrothermal, ethanol, and enzymatic extraction—as well as emerging green approaches, including ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, subcritical water, and deep eutectic solvent extraction. The influence of key extraction parameters on protein yield, purity, and structural integrity is critically examined, along with the resultant alterations in functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying capacity, foaming ability, and gelation behavior. Although through parameter optimization and the application of novel technology, the existing research has been able to increase the protein extraction rate and achieve better functional properties, the challenges of obtaining higher protein purity and extracting proteins on a larger scale remain. Collectively, these findings underscore the considerable potential of BSGP as a multifunctional ingredient in next-generation sustainable food formulations. Full article

This study presents a robust, data-driven framework for classifying and predicting drug solubility in deep eutectic solvents (DESs), moving beyond empirical approaches to enable rational formulation design. By analyzing 2010 solubility measurements of 21 diverse pharmaceutical compounds across numerous choline chloride, betaine, and menthol-based DESs, we employed Principal Component Analysis to reduce 16 COSMO-RS-derived descriptors into four chemically interpretable dimensions explaining 86.7% of the total variance. Persistence analysis confirmed component stability, revealing two key factors: PC1 (global solvation propensity, i.e., the overall capacity of the solvent to stabilize solutes through all interaction types) and PC2 (specific interaction complementarity, i.e., the degree of matching between solute and solvent hydrogen-bonding/polarity features). K-means clustering identified four distinct solubility regimes: high-solubility DES-optimized systems (Cluster 1), reliable moderate performers (Cluster 0), intermediate candidates for optimization (Cluster 3), and fundamentally challenging combinations (Cluster 2). Comparative analysis demonstrated choline chloride’s broad utility while revealing specialized roles for menthol and betaine in specific chemical spaces. Case studies of Sulfasalazine and Caffeine illustrated how multi-cluster distributions guide formulation strategies, distinguishing precision-requiring from forgiving compounds. This taxonomy provides formulation scientists with a rational framework for DES selection, emphasizing aqueous modification, HBD and HBA diversity, and balanced solvation-interaction optimization. The integrated PCA-clustering approach transforms DES development from trial-and-error screening to targeted design, offering fundamental insights into solubility mechanisms while accelerating sustainable pharmaceutical formulation. Full article

In the Yucatán Peninsula, Citrus aurantium L. has a strong cultural and culinary relevance where local industries already process its juice and essential oils, producing large amounts of by-products. In this context, green chemistry strategies have accelerated the valorization of agro-industrial residues, where Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) stand out due to their low cost, ease of preparation, and high extraction efficiency. This study focuses on evaluating different NADES combinations for the extraction of bioactive compounds from C. aurantium by-products, obtained after essential oil (cold pressing) and juice (mechanical pressing) extraction. A 3 × 2 × 2 factorial design was implemented to evaluate the effect of hydrogen bond donor (HBD: fructose, glucose and glycerol), molar ratio (MR: 1:1 and 1:2 mol/mol choline chloride (ChCl:HBD)) and added water (AW: 50 and 70%) on the polyphenolic profile, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity. HBD was the most critical factor in the extraction of bioactive compounds; the extract obtained with glycerol and 70% AW exhibited the highest hesperidin content (2186.08 mg/100 g dry mass), while the same HBD with 50% AW exhibited the highest quercetin + luteolin extraction (721.32 mg/100 g dry mass), both at the same MR (1:1 mol/mol). Glycerol also achieved the highest recovery of total flavonoids (1829.7 ± 17.85 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g dry mass) with an MR of 1:2 mol/mol and 70% AW. Finally, all other maximum values were obtained with fructose-based NADESs: the highest total phenolic content (3603. 7 ± 52.9 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g dry mass) was achieved at an MR of 1:1 mol/mol and 50% AW, while for both vitamin C (1964.8 ± 33.7 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g dry mass) and antioxidant capacity (84.31% inhibition), the maximum was reached at an MR of 1:2 mol/mol and 50% AW. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. In this study, we developed 19 DESs for the extraction of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds from lotus leaves, utilizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among the DESs examined, choline chloride (ChCl) and lactic acid (ChCl: lactic acid) exhibited the highest extraction efficiency. The optimal conditions were established as follows: molar ratio of 1:2.6, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 g/mL, water content of 8%, and ultrasound time of 65 min, which proved to be more efficient than conventional extraction methods such as water and ethanol. Under the optimal conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) was 187.23 ± 14.67 mg GAE/g DW, and the extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.92 ± 0.23 mg/mL; FRAP: 21.56 ± 3.05 mg Trolox/g DW). This superiority arises from the formation of robust hydrogen bonds between ChCl and lactic acid, in conjunction with improved mass transfer efficiency. This study provides a green alternative method for polyphenol extraction from lotus leaves. Full article

Background: The citrus processing industry generates over 40 million tons of waste annually, representing a significant environmental challenge. Citrus by-products are rich in bioactive compounds with proven health benefits. This study aims to upcycle citrus waste by developing green extracts and evaluating their biological activities for cosmeceutical applications. Methods: Three NaDES formulations—choline chloride–urea (ChCl: U), choline chloride–citric acid (ChCl: CA), and betaine–urea (Bet: U)—were optimized to extract polyphenols from orange and lemon waste using roller agitation. Extracts were characterized by HPLC–ESI–MS/MS. Biological activities were assessed in human keratinocytes (HaCaT). Antioxidant activity was measured using a chemiluminescent assay that detects intracellular H₂O₂ production. The wound-healing potential was evaluated using scratch assays, and cytokine release (IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10) was assessed by ELISA. DNA damage protection was evaluated by quantifying 53BP1 foci following genotoxic exposure (neocarzinostatin). Results: All NaDES extracts showed high polyphenol content, with hesperidin being the primary compound. Pretreatment with the extracts for 24 h significantly reduced intracellular H₂O₂ levels, confirming their antioxidant efficacy. In scratch assays, extracts enhanced wound closure; notably, the Bet: U-derived orange extract achieved complete closure within 48 h. All extracts increased IL-6 and IL-8 release, consistent with an early pro-regenerative response. Pretreatment with the Bet: U orange extract lowered the number of cells with high 53BP1 foci after genotoxic stress, indicating partial DNA damage protection. Conclusions: These findings highlight citrus by-product extracts as sustainable bioactive ingredients with great potential for skin repair and anti-aging formulations, promoting responsible cosmeceutical innovation. Full article

Agri-food residues have accumulated globally at unprecedented scales, generating environmental pressures and resource inefficiencies, a core problem addressed in this review, while simultaneously representing rich, underutilized reservoirs of health-promoting phytochemicals. This review synthesizes recent advances (2016–2025) in the green extraction, characterization, and biological validation of phytochemicals from plant-based residues, including polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, alkaloids, and dietary fibers from key sources such as grape pomace, citrus peels, coffee silverskin, pomegranate peel, cereal brans, and tropical fruit by-products. Emphasis is placed on sustainable extraction methods: ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), supercritical CO₂ extraction (SFE), and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), which enable efficient recovery while minimizing environmental impact. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies demonstrate that residue-derived compounds exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, metabolic-regulating, and prebiotic effects, contributing to health in general and gut microbiota modulation. Integrating these bioactives into functional foods and nutraceuticals supports sustainable nutrition and circular bioeconomy goals by reducing food waste and promoting health-oriented valorization. Regulatory advances, including approvals from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ingredients such as olive phenolics, citrus flavanones, and coffee cascara, further illustrate increasing translational readiness. The convergence of green chemistry, biorefinery design, and nutritional science positions agri-food residues as pivotal resources for future health-promoting and environmentally responsible diets. Remaining challenges include scaling cost-effective green processes, harmonizing life cycle assessment protocols, expanding toxicological datasets, and conducting longer-term clinical trials to support safe and evidence-based commercialization. Full article

The bulb of Lilium lancifolium, a traditional Chinese medicine and food-homologous material, is rich in various saponins with notable pharmacological activities. However, traditional extraction methods using single solvents suffer from low efficiency, high cost, and flammability. To address these limitations, this study developed a green and efficient extraction method using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Twenty-four NADES were synthesized and screened for stability, leading to the selection of fourteen for subsequent extraction of saponins from L. lancifolium, with ethanol extraction as a control. Through optimization, NADES-15, composed of choline chloride and anhydrous citric acid (2:1), was identified as the most effective solvent. Quantitative analysis revealed that the total saponin content obtained with NADES-15 (46.6 mg/g) significantly surpassed that of ethanol. Furthermore, UHPLC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated a greater diversity of chemical components in the NADES-15 extract, wherein 31 compounds were tentatively identified, including all nine target steroidal saponins (lily saponin A–I), compared to only 17 compounds and six saponins found in the ethanol extract. This study highlights the significant advantages of NADES in enhancing both the efficiency and variety of active component extraction from L. lancifolium, offering a novel and green approach for natural product extraction. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) were selected for the extraction of anthocyanins from red grape skins as an efficient and environmentally friendly solvent alternative to traditional mixtures based on methanol. In silico studies (COSMO-RS) were employed as screening tools to identify the most suitable options, significantly reducing the chemical space of potential DES to be studied. A total of 30,132 DES combinations were assessed. The DESs selected were polyalcohols (ethyleneglycol, glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol) and carboxylic acids (citric, oxalic, malic, and lactic acid) as hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and choline chloride, betaine, or salts (potassium carbonate, sodium acetate, and propionate), as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA). Choline chloride:glycerol and choline chloride:oxaclic acic were selected as solvents to optimize time, temperature, and water content in ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction of anthocyanins. In both cases, around 20 wt% of water was found to be the optimum to maximize the extractions, whereas extraction time and temperature depended on the type of anthocyanin. The amount of malvidin-3-O-glucoside extracted by microwave-assisted extraction with choline chloride: oxalic acid was 172 ± 7 mg/kg and 119.5 ± 0.5 mg/kg by ultrasound-assisted extraction with choline chloride: glycerol, which means an increase in performance of, respectively, 64 and a 13% compared to the traditional method. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomass, composed predominantly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is the main raw material for biorefineries. Eutectic solvents (ESs) are promising green alternatives for biomass delignification due to their low cost, reduced toxicity, and high lignin solubilization capacity. However, challenges associated with lignin recovery and ES recycling hinder their industrial application. This work addresses this challenge by investigating the liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) and the Kraft lignin partition (K_Lignin) in biphasic solvent systems composed of betaine-based ES, water, and a cosolvent (1-butanol or ethyl acetate) at 298.2 K. Four hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) were used to prepare the ESs: urea, ethylene glycol, 1,3-propanediol, and 1,4-butanediol. In nearly all systems, lignin was found to preferentially partition to the top, cosolvent-rich phase, supporting the viability of this recovery approach. In general, 1-butanol created larger biphasic regions, and for the systems with 1,3-propanediol and 1,4-butanediol as HBDs, yielded higher lignin partition than ethyl acetate. The system containing 1,4-butanediol-based ES with 1-butanol was identified as the most promising, achieving exceptionally high K_Lignin values (up to 456.5). These results provide fundamental data for designing effective lignin recovery and ES recycling processes in biorefineries. Full article

This study presents a novel structural modification strategy for lignin, utilizing a ternary eutectic solvent system (TESS), which induces targeted derivatization. The resulting lignin-based functional hydrogel (LBFH), prepared via rational cross-linking of derivatized lignin precursors, exhibits exceptional hygroscopic properties, with a water swelling ratio of 934.0%. Water absorption kinetics were subjected to rigorous analysis through the employment of a dual-modeling strategy that incorporates Schott kinetics and Fickian diffusion mechanisms, thereby elucidating the synergistic dynamic processes underlying surface adsorption and matrix penetration. Remarkably, LBFH maintains 48.6% water retention capacity after 7 days atmospheric exposure (25 °C, 60% RH), demonstrating unprecedented environmental stability among biopolymer hydrogels. The engineered properties of LBFH suggest its potential application in sustainable agricultural practices as drought-resistant soil amendments, and in environmental remediation as contaminant-adsorptive matrices. Full article