Breaking polyphenol–polysaccharide interactions: the promising role of natural deep eutectic solvents

Food processing generates substantial amounts of byproducts rich in valuable bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, known for their antioxidant, anti-UV, and antimicrobial properties. These molecules hold great potential in sectors such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, their efficient extraction remains a major challenge, as a significant proportion of polyphenols are non-extractable, being tightly linked to plant cell wall polysaccharides (especially pectins) via hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. While extensive research has elucidated the molecular mechanisms of polyphenol-polysaccharide interactions, another growing body of work has explored the potential of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) to disrupt plant cell walls. NADES have demonstrated the ability to interact with structural polysaccharides and promote cellulose solubilization and pectin depolymerization. However, these two research domains have evolved separately, and the mechanistic link between NADES action on the cell wall and the release of non-extractable polyphenols remains poorly understood. This review brings these two bodies of knowledge together. It first presents the current understanding of polyphenol-cell wall interactions, followed by a detailed overview of how NADES interact with and disrupt plant cell wall components. By integrating these perspectives, the review proposes a new framework to guide future studies on the capacity of NADES to disrupt polyphenol-polysaccharide complexes. © 2026 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.