Aromas represent complex mixtures of volatile organic components (VCs) which are present in various natural resources. Due to their sensory and biological properties, they are implemented in numerous pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, perfume, and other products.
Given that obtaining natural VCs can be an expensive and complex process, numerous industries use synthetically obtained aromas. However, due to the growth of the consumer demand for natural products produced in an environmentally safe process, there is a constant search to find new, alternative, safe, and cost-effective ways for obtaining natural aroma VCs.
As a response to the conventional, inefficient, and unsafe methods of obtaining natural aroma VCs, supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) extraction was implemented. This procedure implies the application of a green solvent, rational use of resources, and the attainment of a clean and safe product of high quality while avoiding degradation. However, after effective isolation, the limiting factor for a more rational application of VCs is their instability, volatility, and tendency to degradation. Hence, the quality properties of the product may be significantly impaired, which shortens the shelf life of aroma VCs and products.
Deep eutectic solvents (DES) represent a new generation of solvents that have gained a lot of attention due to their properties: they are inexpensive, easy to prepare, biodegradable, and characterized by low or no toxicity. DES possess both thermal and chemical stability, as well as high absorption capacity, making them promising candidates for the stabilization of sensitive components such as aroma VCs.
The goal of the GEAS project was to address these challenges and to develop a new, simple, and green procedure that ensures obtaining and preserving natural VCs in a green way. To accomplish this goal, the integration of green solvents, ScCO2 for the recovery of VCs from natural resources and DES for their stabilization, was investigated and the following objectives were set:
1. To develop and optimize ScCO2 extraction procedures
2. To stabilize aromas with DES
3. To evaluate the potential and stability of new products.
It was concluded that DES can serve as stabilizers of VCs and protection agents against oxidative degradation of the extracts' components obtained by ScCO2. Moreover, this sustainable approach delivers safe and high-quality aroma VCs and products with extended stability at room temperature. The implementation of this solution has the capacity to provide benefits for human health and the environment along with economic advantages important for the industry and large-scale processing systems.
