Lichens as a source of bio-inspiration for the development of green solvents

Lichens, composed of a fungal element and an algal element living in symbiosis, are a pioneer species capable of surviving extreme environmental conditions such as hydric stress or high temperatures. We assume that in order to survive, the lichen holds a non-aqueous liquid system in its physiological environment allowing it to withstand these environmental conditions. Based on these unique characteristics, we seek to develop these systems, named deep eutectic solvents (DES). They are a new generation of greener solvents due to their properties (non-volatile, low toxicity and good solvation and extraction properties). They are the result of the association of a donor(s) and an acceptor(s) of hydrogen bonds.

In this study, we used lichenic metabolite scaffolds as source of bio-inspiration for our formulations of new natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES). To facilitate the choice of the syntheses to be carried out, we use prediction tools, such as COSMO-RS. These solvents are then used to extract metabolites of pharmaceutical or cosmetic interest from plants, algae and lichens. The dedicated properties of these extracts (anti- oxidants, bactericides etc.) will be further investigated.

These solvents could offer a wide range of advantages: do they have better solvation and extraction capacities than classical solvents for the targeted molecules? Do they increase the stability and/or preserve the properties of these molecules?

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023