Plant protein extraction is vital in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods, where protein functionality directly influences downstream applications. Conventional extraction methods are limited by long processing times, high solvent consumption, and potential degradation of protein bioactivity, necessitating more efficient and protein-preserving approaches. This review (encompassing studies published from 2015 to 2025) evaluates advanced extraction technologies with emphasis on efficiency, sustainability, and preservation of protein functionality. Key strategies include ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) methods, as well as pulsed electric fields (PEF), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ionic liquid extraction (ILE), deep eutectic solvents (DES), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), three-phase partitioning (TPP), detergent-assisted adsorption, and reversed micellar extraction (RME). These approaches employ physical, chemical, or enzymatic mechanisms to improve efficiency, minimize solvent use, and better preserve protein integrity. UAE, MAE, and EAE increase protein yields and improve functional traits such as solubility, emulsification, and antioxidant activity, while PEF and SFE mainly enhance solubility and purity. ILE and DES are notable for their environmental sustainability, whereas PLE, TPP, and RME combine high yields with faster processing and improved bioactivity preservation. These techniques have demonstrated effectiveness across diverse plant matrices, highlighting their versatility for both research and industrial applications. Emerging trends emphasize the optimization of extraction processes to balance high yields with protein bioactivity, offering valuable insights for developing efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly methods in plant-based protein production.
Issa et al. (Fri,) studied this question.