Green sample preparation methods for the analysis of bioactive compounds in bee products: A review

Natural extracts of bee products are being recognized worldwide as a remarkable source of bioactive compounds with diverse functionalities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial and anticancer agents. Some of these compounds are used in the pharmaceutical area and for the development of new functional foods with the aim of improving the bioactivity of current food products, their properties, and replacing other synthetic components. Conventional extraction methods such as maceration, magnetic stirring, or soxhlet mainly involve the use of toxic solvents in large quantities and long extraction times, among many other drawbacks. For this reason, the latest generation of chemical technology is committed to clean and environmentally friendly technologies by applying green analytical chemistry. This new approach defines the use of chemistry for pollution prevention, i.e. the design of methods and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of toxic or hazardous substances. Recently, green sample preparation methods (ultrasound assisted extraction, microwave assisted extraction, pressurized fluid extraction or QuEChERS) have been proposed and successfully applied for the extraction of bioactive compounds from bee products, mainly propolis, bee pollen and honey. This has been achieved by significantly minimizing the impact on environment, by reducing the use of organic solvents, using green solvents, reducing extraction time as well as extra steps. These new alternative methodologies have aroused the interest of researchers as future application prospects with high yields for the recovery of bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of green sample preparation methods for the extraction of bioactive compounds from bee products.