Evaluation of extraction technologies of lycopene: Hindrance of extraction, effects on isomerization and comparative analysis - A review

Abstract Background Lycopene, one of the carotenoids, was increasingly attractive thanks to the significant nutritional and pharmaceutical value, causing the numerous demands of non-chemically synthesized lycopene. However, the insufficient lycopene production led to the high price. One potential way to ameliorate the situation was to elevate the extraction efficiency of lycopene by emerging technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction. However, there is no comprehensive evaluation of these technologies. Therefore, this review is to comprehensively evaluate these technologies. Scope and approach The market investigations indicated the huge demands of lycopene. Rising challenges spawned many new assisted technologies to weaken the hindrances in lycopene extraction. This review mainly discussed the emerging technologies for natural lycopene extraction. In addition, the evaluation of various technologies was performed, including the influences on isomerization and degradation, economic analysis and sustainability analysis. Key findings and conclusions Hindrances of lycopene extraction from cells were illustrated. Besides, almost all the treatments could elevate the efficiency to different extents, which offered various ideas and pathways for lycopene extraction. And the summarization of advantages and disadvantages indicated the promising application potential. Many technologies could affect the isomerization and degradation of lycopene, indicating the necessity to control the extraction conditions. Statistical analysis presented comprehensive comparisons of key indicators (temperature, time, L/S and yield), and supported further evaluation. The economic analysis and sustainability analysis indicated that the cost and environmental effects varied with methods. In the future, methods with low cost, high efficiency and environment-friendly effects will be preferred.