Recent Applications of Deep Eutectic Solvents

Among the different strategies applied in recent years for the development of green extraction techniques in food analysis, the design and use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have aroused the utmost attention due to the advantages provided by these materials in terms of sustainability and versatility. Different types of DESs have been applied in this field including hydrophilic and hydrophobic mixtures, natural DESs, or polymeric-DESs. In this sense, the great availability of components and the wide range of possible combinations constitute potential tools to increase the selectivity and enhance the extraction capacity of the procedures, which is an important concern when complex food samples are tackled. This broad spectrum of possibilities has allowed the extraction of diverse compounds including not only contaminants such as pesticides, plastic migrants, heavy metals, or pharmaceuticals, among others, but also the extraction of biomolecules from food and food by-products. However, despite the advantages of these materials, there are important drawbacks like their high viscosity and low volatility that limit their application. In this context, an important effort has been carried out by the study of different combinations and the development of numerous approaches. In this chapter, the most relevant applications of DESs in the last five years in food analysis have been compiled and discussed in order to provide a global view of the advantages and limitations of the application of these green extraction solvents in the field. Additionally, the current trends and future perspectives in the use of DESs in food analysis are also pointed out.

Keywords: Biomolecule, Bioactive compound, Extraction technique, Food safety, Green solvent, Sustainability.