Ultrasound-assisted Extraction

Ultrasounds have been increasingly used in the natural products domain in processing, preservation, and extraction processes. The effects of ultrasounds arise from the cavitation phenomena caused by the irradiation of ultrasonic waves through the medium. The advantages of ultrasound are extensive, overcoming the shortcomings of conventional techniques on solvent and energy consumption, allowing a shorter time of treatment with a low cost of implementation. In this chapter, the mechanism(s) of ultrasounds on solid matrices will be discussed, as well as the influencing parameters for natural products applications. In the second part, the uses of ultrasound in natural product extraction techniques will be presented, followed by an example of carotenoid extraction assisted by ultrasounds.