Synergistic interplay of deep eutectic solvents and multi-modal extraction techniques: A paradigm shift in natural polysaccharide yield, structural modulation, and biofunctional enhancement

Natural polysaccharides are essential macromolecules found in both plant and animal kingdoms, playing significant roles in food, medicine, biomaterials, and packaging. Deep eutectic solvents (DES), formed through hydrogen-bond interactions, offer simple synthesis, eco-friendliness, and lower melting points. This review demonstrates DES-mediated multi-modal extraction techniques (ultrasound, microwave, pressure, etc.) achieves 1.45–4.30-fold higher polysaccharide yields versus hot water extraction. Specifically, wolfberry fruits showed 2.44-fold increase, Ganoderma lucidum exhibited 4.30-fold enhancement, and Camellia oleifera fruit shells demonstrated 1.45-fold improvement. DES modifies key structural parameters including molecular weight reduction, degree of esterification decrease, and morphology changes (smaller particle sizes with enhanced porosity). Enhanced bioactivities include: DPPH• scavenging capacity increased 15–30 %, anti-glycation inhibition reached 87.63 % versus 71.52 % for water extraction in Polygonatum odoratum , and superior α-glucosidase inhibition for diabetes management in multiple sources. This article reviews DES origins, synthesis, synergy with multi-modal techniques, and supports further research and industrial implementation.