The process of ultrasonic irradiation for enhancing the extraction of bioactive compounds from different products: a review

Advancements in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) represent a transformative shift toward the sustainable recovery of bioactive compounds from diverse biological matrices. Traditional extraction methods often encounter significant limitations, including high energy consumption, excessive solvent use, and the thermal degradation of sensitive phytochemicals. As a prominent clean extraction technology, UAE leverages acoustic cavitation to enhance mass transfer and cell disruption, thereby optimizing extraction efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the principles, equipment, and fundamental mechanisms of UAE, specifically focusing on its application across fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and oilseeds. We critically examine the role of cavitation in maximizing bioactive yields while preserving the structural integrity of sensitive components. Furthermore, a comparative assessment is presented between UAE and other green technologies, such as MAE and SFE, highlighting UAE’s efficiency and economic feasibility. The discussion extends to cutting-edge advancements, including the integration of UAE with green solvents, enzymatic treatments, and hybrid systems. Finally, we address critical challenges regarding industrial scale-up, reactor design, and energy distribution, outlining future trajectories for sustainable biorefining and the potential integration of smart technologies.