Application of natural deep eutectic solvents in the extraction of quercetin from vegetables

Quercetin is a phytochemical with disease prevention and health promotion activities that has attracted significant research attention. In this study, choline chloride and betaine-based natural deep eutectic solvents were prepared using a heating method. Their physical and chemical properties were also tested. Then, they were applied to extract quercetin from onion and broccoli with ultrasonic-assisted solid liquid method coupled with HPLC. Three factors (temperature, amount, and time) were considered for the optimization of the extraction assays. In the optimal conditions, the extraction recoveries were 88.91-98.99%, 88.45-99.01%, and 89.56-98.74% for quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol. Tailor-made natural deep eutectic solvents could be applied as sustainable and safe extraction media for biochemical applications.