Synergism between a Low-Voltage Electric Field and an Ionic Liquid for Efficient Extraction of Multiple Components with Biological Activities from <i>Periplaneta americana</i>

For bioactive substances from Periplaneta americana (PA), a novel extraction mode was developed through the synergism between a low-voltage electric field and an ionic liquid (IL) for the first time. With the comprehensive evaluation by using amino acids, mannitol, uracil, and inosine as indicators, the extraction time was reduced by 75% and energy consumption was reduced by 40% compared to traditional ways. Through a systematic comparison, the extraction efficiency (EE) of the new method (up to 99.1%) was found to be much higher than that of traditional heating, percolation, stirring, and ultrasound-assisted extraction by IL. In addition, the key properties of ILs, extractive mechanisms, and the products were also analyzed in various ways. The powerful extraction promoted by the IL and the strengthened mass transfer by the electric field were coordinated in the whole process, which was proven to be mild, reliable, and time- and energy-saving. In addition, the post-treatment was also explored, and the recovered products were characterized. Their satisfied antioxidant, antibacterial, wound healing, and enzyme inhibition activities also further supported the effectiveness of the new extraction mode. Finally, the results of the life cycle assessment (LCA) for the new extraction process demonstrated superior environmental benefits with the reduction of 66% abiotic depletion potential (ADP) and 93% waste solids (WS) in comparison with the traditional water extraction method and the decrease of 86% ADP and 49% WS compared with industrialized ethanol extraction method.