Supercritical CO2 technology for biomass extraction: Review
Bahare Nozari, Ronald Kander
Abstract
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is increasingly recognized as a green and efficient alternative to conventional solvent-based techniques for valorizing plant biomass. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in a scCO 2 extraction method, focusing on its advantages in isolating high-value compounds from agricultural feedstocks . The unique physicochemical properties of scCO 2 , combining gas-like diffusivity with liquid-like solvating power, enable selective extraction under mild and tunable conditions, which preserves the integrity of thermally sensitive molecules. In addition, scCO 2 reduces energy consumption, eliminates toxic solvent residues, and offers greater extraction precision than traditional methods. These features have contributed to its adoption across multiple industries including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, and bioplastics . However, some limitations such as low solubility for polar compounds and high costs for recycling CO 2 remain barriers to widespread implementation. Finally, this review highlights several promising directions, including the full utilization of biomass, the application of scCO 2 in biomedical materials , and the integration of extraction processes within green biorefinery systems. These developments not only support the advancement of green extraction technologies but also reinforce the role of scCO 2 in promoting a circular bioeconomy, where agricultural residues are transformed into high purity, functional products with minimal environmental impact.