Supercritical Fluid Extraction: A Green and Sustainable Approach for the Isolation of High-Value Compounds from Natural Sources

Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) has emerged as a green and sustainable technique for isolating high-value bioactive compounds from natural sources. This method leverages the unique properties of supercritical fluids, particularly supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2), to enhance the selectivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of the extraction process. Compared with traditional methods that use solvents, SFE has several benefits, such as leaving behind very little solvent, causing less damage to heat-sensitive compounds, and improving the amount extracted. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of SFE, including thermodynamics, phase behaviour, and selection of supercritical fluids. Furthermore, it highlights the optimization parameters that influence extraction efficiency, such as pressure, temperature, co-solvent use, and flow rate. The applications of SFE in the recovery of phytochemicals, essential oils, nutraceuticals, and marine-derived bioactive compounds are discussed, with emphasis on its role in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Additionally, this review explores recent advancements in SFE technology, including its integration with other green extraction methods and novel equipment designs, while addressing the challenges associated with industrial-scale implementation. Finally, future perspectives on enhancing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of SFE are outlined, reinforcing its potential as a key technology in green extraction science.