The volume of phytoextracts — plant-derived materials — is growing strongly, notes a new position paper that also highlights their potential for pharmaceutical, agrochemical and food applications. Just issued by the ProcessNet subdivision of the German Society for Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (Dechema), Frankfurt, “Phytoextracts— Proposal Towards a New and Comprehensive Research Focus” says the materials represent a tremendous economic opportunity. However, it also cautions that interdisciplinary research is scarce, and so a coordinated approach to research and mandatory public funding are necessary to fully exploit the materials.
The paper includes a market overview and lists current issues facing phytoextract markets. It summarizes the state of research and technology and recommends research targets and approaches. It also calls for dedicated public funding to support establishing interdisciplinary activities and joint research initiatives. The paper can be downloaded here.