In recent years, the increasing demand for environmentally friendly solutions and biomedical advancements has driven continuous technological innovation. Against this backdrop, Professor Chen, Cheng-Nan and his team from the Department of Biochemical Science and Technology at National Chiayi University have developed a groundbreaking technology that combines natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) with hydrophilic hydrogels for the extraction of medicinal herbs, paving the way for innovative product development. As a natural, non-volatile solvent, NaDES offers an eco-friendly, low-toxicity alternative to traditional organic solvents. Beyond its excellent solubilizing properties, NaDES effectively stabilizes the active ingredients in herbal extracts, significantly enhancing their potential applications in both medical and cosmetic fields. This technology not only improves the efficiency of herbal extraction but also enables the development of a wide range of innovative products, from liquid bandages to antibacterial gels and other medical and skincare applications.
As an emerging natural solvent, NaDES has gained widespread attention in chemistry and pharmaceutical applications in recent years. Compared to conventional organic solvents, NaDES maintains high extraction efficiencywhile ensuring low toxicity, renewability, and environmental compatibility, aligning perfectly with sustainable development goals.
By integrating NaDES into hydrophilic hydrogels, Professor Chen’s team has developed a series of novel medical dressings capable of sustained drug release at wound sites. Given NaDES’s excellent solubility for plant-based medicines, it significantly enhances drug bioavailability while protecting active compounds from degradation at high temperatures. These advanced NaDES-hydrogel composite materials not only accelerate wound healing but also exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties, greatly improving treatment outcomes. With outstanding skin compatibility, these formulations are entirely non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin, including infants and individuals with allergies.
The team has already developed several commercially viable products, such as wound liquid bandages and antibacterial gels, all of which have passed skin sensitivity tests and are free from heavy metal contamination, ensuring both clinical safety and efficacy.
To ensure the stability and consistency of herbal raw materials, the team has also implemented a standardized cultivation system within a smart AIoT medicinal plant farming base. This system integrates environmental monitoring, irrigation, fertilization, and cooling controls, utilizing bag cultivation for off-ground planting to achieve precise, standardized production management.
In an interview, Professor Chen, Cheng-Nan highlighted that this technology stems from the team's deep expertise in green chemistry and herbal medicine applications. He emphasized that this innovation is not just an enhancement of existing medical products but also a pioneering development in the future of healthcare, blending eco-friendly principles with high-performance functionalities.
Professor Chen further pointed out that green solvent technology holds significant implications for traditional pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, particularly in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound care applications. Looking ahead, the team aims to expand the technology’s applications, strengthen herbal research, and leverage smart agricultural platforms to optimize medicinal plant cultivation and commercialization. The goal is to collaborate with leading medical and cosmetic companies to bring these innovative products to international markets, ultimately benefiting a broader consumer base.
Resource: 低毒環保綠色溶劑 結合親水性凝膠製敷料加速癒合
