The extraction of valuable phytochemicals from natural sources is an important and constantly evolving research area. Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) contains high amounts of bioactive phytochemicals, which are desirable due to their significant properties. In this work, the ability of different natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) to serve as green solvents for the preparation of high added value extracts from ginger is explored, in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction. The method was optimized by applying a response surface methodology using the NaDES Bet/La/W (1:2:2.5). Three independent variables, namely the extraction time, ultrasound power and NaDES-to-dry-ginger ratio, were investigated by employing a 17-run three-level Box–Behnken Design (BBD) in order to study the correlation between the extraction conditions and the quality of the obtained extracts. The optimum conditions (in order to achieve simultaneously maximum total phenolic content and antioxidant activity), were found to be 23.8 min extraction time, 60 Watt and NaDES/ginger 25:1 w/w. In the optimum conditions the DPPH radical scavenging ability of the extracts was found to reach IC₅₀ = 18.16 mg/mL after 120 min, whereas the TPC was 20.10 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g of dry ginger. The green methodology was also compared with the extraction using conventional solvents. All the obtained extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and their total phenolic content, while the extract derived by the optimum extraction conditions was further investigated for its ability to bind to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA).

Tyrosol, a natural product present in olive oil and white wine, possesses a wide range of bioactivity. The aim of this study was to optimize the preparation of nanosystems encapsulating tyrosol in carbohydrate matrices and the investigation of their ability to bind with DNA. The first encapsulation matrix of choice was chitosan using the ionic gelation method. The second matrix was β-cyclodextrin (βCD) using the kneading method. Coating of the tyrosol-βCD ICs with chitosan resulted in a third nanosystem with very interesting properties. Optimal preparation parameters of each nanosystem were obtained through two three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken experimental designs and statistical analysis of the results. Thereafter, the nanoparticles were evaluated for their physical and thermal characteristics using several techniques (DLS, NMR, FT-IR, DSC, TGA). The study was completed with the investigation of the impact of the encapsulation on the ability of tyrosol to bind to calf thymus DNA. The results revealed that tyrosol and all the studied systems bind to the minor groove of ctDNA. Tyrosol interacts with ctDNA via hydrogen bond formation, as predicted via molecular modeling studies and corroborated by the experiments. The tyrosol-chitosan nanosystem does not show any binding to ctDNA whereas the βCD inclusion complex shows analogous interaction with that of free tyrosol.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) have emerged as green and sustainable alternative solvents for extracting valuable bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products. NaDESs are stable, soluble, and biodegradable with low melting points and a wide range of applications. These characteristics align closely with the principles of green chemistry, making NaDESs promising for use in the food industry. Recent studies demonstrate that NaDESs can effectively extract proteins, polysaccharides, polyphenols, carotenoids, alkaloids, and other bioactives from sources such as vegetable waste, cereal by-products, and fruit pomace, often performing better than traditional solvents such as methanol and ethanol. The bioactive components of these extracts may exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anticancer, or antimicrobial activity and can be used as functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, or preservatives. Furthermore, NaDES-derived extracts have been shown to have hypoglycemic effects by inhibiting enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and reducing oxidative stress. As a result, they may find use as functional food ingredients in diabetes management. This review presents the recent research on the extraction of bioactive compounds from agro-industrial by-products using NaDESs and an evaluation of their antidiabetic potential.

Eleven 3-amino-2-methyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones have been synthesized, in good to excellent yields, via their corresponding benzoxazinones using an efficient tandem microwave-assisted green process. Representative acetamides have been thermally derived from their functional free 3-amino group, whereas for the synthesis of various arylamides, a novel green microwave-assisted protocol has been developed, which involved the attack of hydrazides on benzoxazinones. Eight out of the eleven 3-amino-2-methyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-ones were found photo-active towards plasmid DNA under UVB, and four under UVA irradiation. Amongst all acetamides, only the 6-nitro derivative retained activity both under UVB and UVA irradiation, whereas the 6-bromo-substituted one was active only under UVB. 3-arylamido-6-bromo derivatives exhibited dramatically decreased photo-activity; however, all 3-arylamido-6-nitro compounds developed extraordinary activity, even at concentrations as low as 1μM, which was enhanced compared to their parent 3-amino-2-methyl-6-nitro-quinazolinone. Molecular docking studies were indicative of satisfactory binding to DNA and correlated to the presented photo-activity. Since quinazolinones are known “privileged” pharmacophores for anticancer and antimicrobial activities, the present study gives information on turning “on” and “off” photosensitization on various derivatives which are often used as synthones for drug development, when chromophores and auxochromes are incorporated or being functionalized. Thus, certain compounds may lead to the development of novel photo-chemo or photodynamic therapeutics.

The growing demand for sustainable solutions in industrial processes has prompted the exploration of alternative solvents that can reduce environmental impact. Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs), characterized by their low toxicity, recyclability, and versatility, have emerged as promising candidates for waste reduction, by-product valorization, and the advancement of the circular economy. This mini-review highlights the main applications ofDESs in various waste management strategies. Firstly, it examines DES as a green, non-toxic, and alternative solvent to conventional solvents, offering a safer and more sustainable option for industrial processes. Secondly, it examines their role in reducing food and agro-industrial waste by extracting valuable bioactive compounds from waste streams and industrial by-products. Thirdly, it discusses the recovery of valuable metals from electronic waste (e-waste), emphasizing the efficiency of DESs in metal extraction while minimizing environmental harm. Finally, it addresses the use of DESs in catalyst cleaning and regeneration, showcasing their contribution to reducing waste in industrial catalytic processes. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of DESs as pretreatment agents, extraction solvents, catalysts, and material recovery media, compiling the most recent advances in agro-industrial waste valorization, precious metal recovery, and catalyst regeneration. It offers comparative insights into their performance against conventional solvent-based methods and highlights emerging challenges and opportunities for large-scale implementation, emphasizing their potential to advance waste reduction and support a circular economy.

Green synthesis methods offer an environmentally friendly and alternative approach for the development of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). These methods utilize natural and renewable resources such as plant extracts or deep eutectic solvents (DESs) while minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals. Nanoparticles, characterized by their dimensions within the 1–100 nm range, exhibit unique properties that enable their diverse applications in medicine, diagnostics, drug delivery systems, cosmetics, sensing, catalysis, food and agricultural technologies. This review summarizes recent advancements in the biogenic synthesis of AgNPs using plant extracts prepared via deep eutectic solvents (DESs) or natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs), as well as individual plant extracts or DESs/NaDESs. The research highlights the strategic synergy in which DES-based media and their different bioactive compounds of plant extracts play a crucial role as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of the synthesized AgNPs, including core diameter, morphology, and long-term stability, are critically evaluated in relation to eutectic composition, and plant species utilized. This review demonstrates that DESs actively modulate the biosynthesis of AgNPs: functioning as green extraction media and steric/electrostatic stabilizing agents, while selectively serving as direct reducing agents in compositions containing reducing sugars, polyols, organic acids, and bioactive plant compounds.