Work

Enhancing the water extraction of shikimic acid using natural deep eutectic solvents

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were applied as green promoters of the water extraction of shikimic acid from Illicium verum fruits. Our studies showed that 10 wt% aq. [Ch]Cl:PropGly (1:3) allows efficient extraction of shikimic acid at a lower temperature and shorter extraction time as compared to water alone. In-depth NMR studies revealed that the components of the investigated NADES retain their supramolecular assembly and interact with shikimic acid even at high dilutions, thus remaining effective as co-solvent. The solvent composition, consisting primarily of water, underscores the role of NADES as a co-solvent in the development of tailor-made extraction processes that enhances extraction performance while maintaining environmental sustainability. Subsequent purification steps, involving selective precipitation with formaldehyde and ion-exchange chromatography, and recrystallization afforded shikimic acid in good isolated yield and purity (4% w/w yield, 99.5% purity).

Source: Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2026.03.028

Authors: Ivan Svinyarov, Yavor Mitrev, Maya K. Marinova, Hristo Petkov, Milena P. Popova, Svilen P. Simeonov

Institutions: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, University of Lisbon

Language: English

Topic: Ionic liquids properties and applications

Subfield: Catalysis

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500