Deep eutectic solvents as sustainable extraction media for plants and food samples: A review

With the introduction of the concept of green chemistry, eco-friendly extraction processes are moving from an option to a must. Therefore, the discovery and development of new solvents with less hazardous ecotoxicological profiles are required urgently to replace, reduce, or even eliminate petroleum ones. Recently, making up a novel class of solvents as an alternative to ionic liquids (ILs), natural deep eutectic solvents, NADES might be considered as one of the most promising discoveries in the field of green chemistry. Investigated as potential green tools and especially in the field of extraction of valuable compounds from medicinal plants and food. In this article, we attempt to provide an overview of knowledge regarding natural DESs as novel solvents technology. Their formation, structure, some physicochemical properties, and especially, with emphasis on their beneficial applications in the extraction and separation process of valuable compounds from different plants families and food samples. Biological activities and industrial application of eutectic bio extracts are summarized, and further perspectives are discussed.