Ultrasound-Assisted Supramolecular Deep Eutectic Solvent for Selective Extraction of Flavonoids from Hippophae neurocarpa Leaves
摘要
This study reports a green and highly efficient strategy for targeted flavonoid extraction from Hippophae neurocarpa S. W. Liu & T. N. Ho leaves using a β-cyclodextrin-based supramolecular deep eutectic solvent (SDES). Process parameters were systematically optimized via single-factor experiments, Plackett–Burman design, and Box–Behnken design, with total flavonoid yield and antioxidant activity as dual evaluation criteria. The SDES systems outperformed conventional DES and aqueous ethanol, with SDES-8 achieving the highest flavonoid yield (66.99 mg/g) and SDES-14 exhibiting superior antioxidant capacity, as indicated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH: 69.25% ± 0.12%) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS: 71.16% ± 0.46%) radical scavenging activities. Notably, SDES-14 selectively enriched isoquercitrin, achieving a 2.5-fold higher content than SDES-8, as indicated by HPLC analysis. Mechanistic investigations using FTIR, SEM, and molecular docking revealed that hydrogen bonding, β-CD-mediated host–guest inclusion, and ultrasonic cavitation synergistically enhance cell disruption, mass transfer, and flavonoid stabilization. In vitro assays demonstrated that SDES-14 extracts possess strong reducing power and effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation. Greenness assessments (Analytical Eco-Scale, Green Analytical Procedure Index, and Analytical GREEnness) demonstrated the low toxicity and energy consumption of the method. Overall, this work provides a sustainable and selective extraction platform for natural flavonoids, with potential applications in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and antioxidant-based therapeutics.