Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compound Extraction Techniques
Summary
Antioxidants play a pivotal role in mitigating oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals and preventing cellular damage. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids, have garnered widespread interest due to their health-promoting properties and applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The efficacy of these compounds depends not only on their intrinsic activity but also on the efficiency and selectivity of extraction methods. Traditional solvent extraction remains prevalent, yet it can suffer from low yield, long processing times and environmental concerns. Emerging technologies such as ultrasound-, microwave- and pulsed electric field-assisted extraction, as well as supercritical fluid extraction, have demonstrated significant improvements in extraction yield and rate, reduced solvent usage and enhanced preservation of thermolabile compounds. The integration of process optimisation tools, including response surface methodology, has further enabled fine-tuning of parameters to maximise recovery of target antioxidants. Advances in encapsulation and delivery systems, such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles, have opened new avenues for stabilising and incorporating bioactive extracts into diverse matrices. Collectively, these developments underscore a multidisciplinary approach that spans plant science, analytical chemistry and engineering, driving forward the sustainable production of high-value antioxidants with global relevance for nutrition, health and industry.
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Antioxidant Activity and Bioactive Compound Extraction Techniques publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in antioxidant activity and bioactive compound extraction techniques across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
DPPH assay: A method using a stable free radical (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) to evaluate radical-scavenging activity.
ABTS assay: A colourimetric test based on the radical cation 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) to measure antioxidant capacity.
FRAP assay: Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay assessing the ability to reduce Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺.
Ultrasound-assisted extraction: Use of ultrasonic waves to disrupt plant matrices and enhance solvent penetration.
Microwave-assisted extraction: Application of microwave energy to heat the solvent and plant material, accelerating mass transfer.
Pulsed electric field extraction: Use of short, high-voltage pulses to permeabilise cell membranes and facilitate compound release.
Supercritical fluid extraction: Extraction technique employing supercritical CO₂ as a solvent to selectively recover non-polar bioactives.
Polyphenols: Plant secondary metabolites containing multiple phenol units, known for strong antioxidant properties.
References
- Impact of different solvents on extraction yield, phenolic composition, in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of deseeded Opuntia stricta fruit. Journal of Umm Al-Qura University for Applied Sciences (2023).
- Effects of Extraction Solvents on the Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content, and Antioxidant Activity in the Aerial Part of Root Vegetables. Agriculture (2022).
- Optimization of Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Total Alkaloids, Peimisine, Peimine and Peiminine from the Bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq, and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of the Extracts. Materials (2016).
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