Technical Abstract: A new era of functional foods has resulted in increased interest in phytochemicals for prevention and controlling the development of cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases. The focus of our research is to evaluate the influence of modern sample preparation technologies for extracting phytochemicals from plant matrices utilizing fundamental principles of “green” chemistry. Optimization of extraction procedures using modern technologies significantly reduces the quantity of solvent consumed and waste generated during an extraction process. In addition, automation possibilities with modern instrumentation reduce exposure to extraction solvents and their vapor. This paper compares five extraction technologies (Butt-tube, soxtec, pressurized liquid extractor, supercritical fluid extractor and Ankom batch extractor) for extraction of crude fat from three soy samples. In addition, this manuscript outlines a systematic approach for optimization of an extraction procedure for isolation of phytochemicals from different plant matrices using potentially bioactive phenolic compounds as model substrates. Applications of modern extraction technologies in conjunction with optimization of an extraction procedure will enable chemists and chemical engineers to considerably reduce the quantity of solvents consumed and waste generated for extracting bioactive phytochemicals from different plant matrices.