A review of the recent advances in extraction techniques for volatilome of aromatic and fragrant plants.

Abstract

The last decade has witnessed an increase in the development of extraction techniques for volatile components from different matrices. Meanwhile, analytical methods have shifted toward the miniaturization of sample preparation procedures, the reduction of solvent consumption, and the adoption of solventless or solvent-minimized extraction techniques to lessen the use of organic solvents and toxic reagents. These innovations plan to enhance extraction efficiency, improve sensitivity, and side with sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact. In this context, the present review article aims to provide the readers with a comprehensive understanding of sample preparation and extraction techniques for the analysis of plant volatilome. The elucidation of plant aromatic and fragrant substances is of great significance due to their diverse roles in fragrance, flavor, agriculture, and medicine and for their potential application in biotechnological and pharmaceutical research innovations. Particularly, this review compares conventional extraction methods with alternative and more appealing, solventless methods, evaluating their efficiency, scalability, and applicability on both laboratory and industrial scale. The discussion revolves around the development of high-throughput sample preparation procedures, sampling protocols, and their different aspects and areas of application. Finally, the greenness of the different methodologies is critically evaluated in terms of solvent, time, and energy consumption, pointing out sustainable and cost-effective approaches for plant volatilome analysis.