Deep Eutectic Solvents in Food Science: From Molecular Mechanisms to Applications

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) have attracted growing attention in food science due to their flexibility, potential for low toxicity, and biodegradability. This review is targeted to summarize the characteristics of DES and recent advances in their applications of food. DES with tailored polarity, viscosity, and stability can be designed by adjusting the types and molar ratios of hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, enabling efficient extraction of bioactive compounds. In food analysis, DES are used as chromatographic modifiers and components of sensitive detection platforms, improving separation and sensitivity in complex food matrices. In food processing, DES can facilitate esterification and glycosylation and serve as carriers or coating materials to enhance food quality. Despite these advantages, DES application in the food industry remains limited by insufficient safety assessments and residue and migration risks. Overall, this review underscores the potential of DES in food science while pointing out the challenges that must be addressed to guide their practical application.