High-pressure fluid technologies: Recent approaches to the production of natural pigments for food and pharmaceutical applications

Color is the first and most impacting attribute affecting directly the consumers preference, selection, and desire. Synthetic colorant ingredients are largely used by the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, there are concerns about the use of synthetic pigments due to their adverse health effects. These issues have increased the progressive replacement of synthetic pigments by natural ones. To fulfill this demand, high-pressure fluid technologies (HPFTs) have been considered as green emergent methods with large potential of application, from extraction until product formulation. This review summarizes the use of high-pressure fluid technologies (HPFTs) for the extraction and formulation of natural pigments from various biomasses for food and pharmaceutical applications, showing the technological evolution, process variables, target compounds, and future perspectives. The recovery of natural pigments from food industry by-products using high-pressure fluid processes is a viable and suitable alternative. SC-CO2 formulation processes can provide protection and improve the solubility and bioavailability of natural pigments. Overall, HPFTs allow the recovery and formulation of natural pigments with high potential for application in food, supplement development, and various pharmaceutical applications.