Toxicity test profile for deep eutectic solvents: A detailed review and future prospects

Deep eutectic solvents in food contaminants detection: Characteristics, interaction mechanism and application advances from extracting to other roles

Food safety is crucial for public health, yet it faces growing threats from environmental and anthropogenic pollutants. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as green and efficient alternative solvents for detecting trace pollutants. This review highlights the characteristics of DESs, their mechanisms for extracting target analytes and applications in food analysis. Subsequently, the challenges faced by DESs in the detection of food samples and future development trends are further discussed. DESs can selectively interact with various target analytes (including pesticides, veterinary drugs, food additives, heavy metals, toxins, and other residues) during the food safety testing process by forming hydrogen bond networks. Beyond serving as extraction solvents, DESs can act as adsorbents, eluents, and reaction media, thereby simplifying sample pretreatment and enhancing the detection performance of various contaminants. Overall, as customizable functional solvents, DESs hold great promise for advancing next-generation food analysis methods, though some technical barriers remain to be addressed.

Facile green treatment of mixed cellulose ester membranes by deep eutectic solvent to enhance dye removal and determination

Synthetic dye production and the consequent generation of dye-rich wastewater are major concerns of water quality in many countries. We developed a sustainable approach with deep eutectic solvent (DES) treatment to enhance the efficiency of mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane-based dye removal material. The DES composition and treatment conditions were optimized, and the treated membranes were comprehensively characterized. DES-treated membranes exhibited improved morphology, surface properties, and superior dye adsorption capabilities. Our study revealed that the adsorption process was chemically controlled and driven by electrostatic and hydrogen bond interactions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous nature of the adsorption process. Moreover, the treated membranes exhibited good separation performance for dye/salt mixtures. Additionally, we demonstrated selective adsorption of cationic dyes over anionic dyes using these treated membranes. This selectivity enabled the development of a membrane solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method for quantification of trace amount of dyes. Compared with other methods, DES-treated MCE membranes present a promising solution for efficient dye quantification and removal, offering a green and effective strategy to address water pollution stemming from synthetic dyes. Additionally, this study provides a novel strategy for green chemistry modification of cellulose-based materials.

The application of deep eutectic solvent-based magnetic nanofluid in analytical sample preparation

The pursuit of green analytical chemistry has led to the exploration of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as green solvents in sample preparation processes. DESs, formed by hydrogen bond donor and acceptor components, exhibit unique properties such as low toxicity, biodegradability, and designable structures that make them ideal for extraction technologies. However, no comprehensive assessment of the utilization of DES-based magnetic nanofluid for analytical sample pretreatment has been performed. This review summarized the preparation methods of DES-based magnetic nanofluids and their application in various microextraction technologies, including vortex-assisted, ultrasonic-assisted, dispersive, and microfluidic device-based approaches, highlighting their role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of analytical methods. The paper underscored the importance of the stability of magnetic nanofluids in sample pretreatment and the advantages of using DESs, such as reduced organic solvent usage and compatibility with green chemistry principles. Key findings from recent research on the application of DES-based magnetic nanofluids in microextraction were presented, demonstrating their high extraction recoveries, low detection limits, and applicability to a wide range of analytes and matrices. The outlook suggests potential directions for future research, including the refinement of DES-based magnetic nanofluids for improved performance in analytical sample preparation. This review provides a valuable reference for researchers and practitioners in the field of analytical chemistry, showcasing the potential of DES-based magnetic nanofluids as a sustainable and efficient tool for sample preparation and microextraction.

Green Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Aronia melanocarpa Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Antioxidant Activity Investigation

This study explores the green extraction of phenolic antioxidants from Aronia melanocarpa fruit using choline-chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvents. Sixteen DESs, prepared by combining choline chloride with various hydrogen bond donors, were characterized for their physical properties, including viscosity, polarity, and pH, and applied to extract phenolics from Aronia melanocarpa. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) quantified key phenolic compounds, including neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid, quercetin derivatives, and cyanidin derivatives, as well as total phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins. The results revealed that DES composition and physical properties significantly influenced extraction efficiency and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the intrinsic antioxidant activity of DESs contributed substantially to the overall activity of the extracts, particularly in DESs containing organic acids or thiourea. Choline chloride/tartaric acid DES demonstrated the highest total phenolic content, attributed to its high viscosity and strongly acidic pH, while choline chloride/thiourea DES, with low viscosity and slightly acidic pH, exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity. This study highlights how tailoring DES formulations can optimize the extraction of target compounds while accounting for the solvent's intrinsic properties. The findings support the potential application of DESs as environmentally friendly solvents in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Insights into Carvone: Fatty Acid Hydrophobic NADES for Alkane Solubilization

The urge to adopt cleaner technologies drives the search for novel and sustainable materials such as Hydrophobic Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (HNADESs), a new class of green solvents characterized by their low toxicity, biodegradability, and tunable properties, aiming to be applied in various fields for handling non-polar substances. In this work, the solubilization of hydrocarbons in type V HNADESs (non-ionic organic molecules) formed by mixing carvone, a natural monoterpenoid, with organic acids (hexanoic to decanoic acids) is examined by applying both experimental and theoretical approaches. The synthesis and physicochemical characterization of different HNADESs allowed us to tailor their properties, aiming for optimal interactions with desired hydrocarbons. The solubilization of hydrocarbons in CAR:C10AC (1:1) HNADES is evaluated in terms of HNADES content, temperature, and the structure of the hydrocarbon itself (C6, C10, and C14 being the selected ones). To gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms of interactions between the solvents and the alkanes, a comprehensive multiscale computational study was carried out to analyze the nature of the interactions, the changes upon formation of HNADESs and hydrocarbon solubilization in the fluid's nanostructure, and the possible toxicological effects of the solvents. The findings hold the potential to significantly impact the realm of hydrocarbon exploration and utilization.

Breaking barriers in electrodeposition: Novel eco-friendly approach based on utilization of deep eutectic solvents

This review article provides a comprehensive examination of the innovative approaches emerging from using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in electrodeposition techniques. Through an in-depth exploration of fundamental principles, the study highlights the advantages of DESs as electrolytes, including reduced toxicity, enhanced control over deposition parameters, and specific influences on morphology. By showcasing specific studies and experimental findings, the article offers tangible evidence of the superior performance of DES-based electrodeposition methods. Key findings reveal that DESs utilization enables eco-friendly electrodeposition of noble metal and transition metal coatings, coatings of their alloys and composites, as well as electrodeposition of semiconductor and photovoltaic alloy coatings; while also addressing challenges such as hydrogen evolution in conventional electrolytes. Notably, DES-based electrolytes facilitate the formation of electrodeposits with unique nanostructures and improve the stability of colloidal systems for composite coatings. The article contains invaluable tables detailing electrolyte compositions, electrodeposition conditions, and deposition results for a diverse array of metals, alloys, and composites, serving as a practical handbook for researchers and industry practitioners. In conclusion, the review underscores the transformative impact of DESs on electrodeposition techniques and emphasizes the prospects for future advancements in surface modification and material synthesis.

Lignin-based emulsive liquid-liquid microextraction for detecting triazole fungicides in water, juice, vinegar, and alcoholic beverages via UHPLC-MS/MS

A universal, green, and rapid lignin-based emulsive liquid-liquid microextraction (ELLME) method was established to detect nine triazole fungicides in water, juice, vinegar, and alcoholic beverages via UHPLC-MS/MS. By employing an environmentally friendly emulsifier (lignin), the proposed ELLME was compatible with more extractants, and not restricted to fatty acids. Due to the high amphiphilic properties and three-dimensional structure of lignin, the emulsion was quickly formed through several aspirate-dispense cycles of the green extractant (guaiacol) and lignin solution. And a micropipette was used for rapid microextraction. The limit of detection was 0.0002-0.0057 μg L-1. The extraction recoveries and relative standard deviation were 81.7%-102.0% and 0.9%-7.1%, respectively. Finally, three green metric tools were used to verify the greenness of the whole procedure. The proposed lignin-based ELLME successfully emulsified green solvents, indicating that emerging solvents may be excellent alternatives as extractants in ELLME for pesticide residue analysis in food samples.

Exploring Deep Eutectic Solvents as Pharmaceutical Excipients: Enhancing the Solubility of Ibuprofen and Mefenamic Acid

Objectives: The study explores the potential of various deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to serve as drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical excipients. The research focuses on two primary objectives: evaluating the ability of the selected DES systems to enhance the solubility of two poorly water-soluble model drugs (IBU and MFA), and evaluating their physicochemical properties, including density, viscosity, flow behavior, surface tension, thermal stability, and water dilution effects, to determine their suitability for pharmaceutical applications. Methods: A range of DES systems containing pharmaceutically acceptable constituents was explored, encompassing organic acid-based, sugar- and sugar alcohol-based, and hydrophobic systems, as well as menthol (MNT)-based DES systems with common pharmaceutical excipients. MNT-based DESs exhibited the most significant solubility enhancements. Results: IBU solubility reached 379.69 mg/g in MNT: PEG 400 (1:1) and 356.3 mg/g in MNT:oleic acid (1:1), while MFA solubility peaked at 17.07 mg/g in MNT:Miglyol 812®N (1:1). In contrast, solubility in hydrophilic DES systems was significantly lower, with choline chloride: glycerol (1:2) and arginine: glycolic acid (1:8) showing the best results. While demonstrating lower solubility compared to the MNT-based systems, sugar-based DESs exhibited increased tunability via water and glycerol addition both in terms of solubility and physicochemical properties, such as viscosity and surface tension. Conclusions: Our study introduces novel DES systems, expanding the repertoire of pharmaceutically acceptable DES formulations and opening new avenues for the rational design of tailored solvent systems to overcome solubility challenges and enhance drug delivery.

Nanolignin-Facilitated Robust Hydrogels

Recently, certain challenges and accompanying drawbacks have emerged in the preparation of high-strength and tough polymer hydrogels. Insights from wood science highlight the role of the intertwined molecular structure of lignin and crystalline cellulose in contributing to wood's strength. Herein, we immersed prestretched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer hydrogels into a solution of nanosized lignosulfonate sodium (LS), a water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte, to creatively reconstruct this similar structure at the molecular scale in hydrogels. The nanosized LS effectively fixed and bundled the prestretched PVA polymers while inducing the formation of dense crystalline domains within the polymer matrix. Consequently, the interwoven structure of crystalline PVA and LS conferred good strength to the composite hydrogels, exhibiting a tensile strength of up to ∼23 MPa, a fracture strain of ∼350%, Young's modulus of ∼17 MPa, toughness of ∼47 MJ/m3, and fracture energy of ∼42 kJ/m2. This hydrogel far outperformed previous hydrogels composed directly of lignin and PVA (tensile strength <1.5 MPa). Additionally, the composite hydrogels demonstrated excellent antifreezing properties (<-80 °C). Notably, the LS-assisted reconstruction technology offers opportunities for the secondary fixation of PVA hydrogel shapes and high-strength welding of hydrogel components. This work introduces an approach for the high-value utilization of LS, a green byproduct of pulp production. LS's profound biomimetic strategy will be applied in multifunctional hydrogel fields.

Environmental Assessment of Dryland and Irrigated Winter Wheat Cultivation under Compost Fertilization Strategies

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a strategic agricultural crop that plays a significant role in maintaining national food security and sustainable economic development. Increasing technical performance considering lowering costs, energy, and environmental consequences are significant aims for wheat cultivation. For drylands, which cover approximately 41% of the world's land surface, water stress has a considerable negative impact on crop output. The current study aimed to assess the environmental aspects of chemical fertilizer in combination with compost in dryland and irrigated winter wheat production systems through life cycle assessment (LCA). The cradle-to-farm gate was considered as the system boundary based on one tone of wheat yield and four strategies: D-C (dryland with compost), D (dryland without compost), I-C (irrigated with compost), and I (irrigated without compost). Based on the results, the highest and lowest amounts of wheat yield were related to the I-C and D strategies with 12.2 and 6.7 ton ha-1, respectively. The LCA result showed that the I strategy in comparison with other strategies had the highest negative impact on human health (49%), resources (59%), ecosystem quality (44%), and climate change (43%). However, the D-C strategy resulted in the lowest adverse effect of 6% on human health, 1% on resources, 10% on ecosystem quality, and 11% on climate change. Utilizing a combination of fertilizer and compost in dryland areas could ensure a higher yield of crops in addition to alleviating negative environmental indicators.