A Simple and Effective Method to Extract Chitosan from Crustacean Shell Waste

A modified method to extract chitosan from crustacean shell waste is presented. Separate steps for deproteinization, decolorization, and deacetylation were replaced with single-step steeping in an alkali solution for 24 h. This method resulted in 33.26%, 11.39%, and 10.15% of chitosan yield, respectively from whiteleg shrimp, blueswimming crab and giant freshwater prawns whilepreserving physicochemical properties, which was evident by FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDS, ash, viscosity, colour, and antioxidant values. A comparison with the conventional heating method shows 8.10% chemical and 13% energy savings and comparative simplicity of the modified method showing potential to be executed at the industrial level.

Automated summary

A modified method of chitosan extraction from crustacean shell waste was developed using single-step alkali steeping. Yield percentages of chitosan obtained from different crustaceans were 33.26%, 11.39%, and 10.15% for whiteleg shrimp, blueswimming crab, and giant freshwater prawns, respectively. The modified method preserved physicochemical properties and showed potential for industrial implementation with energy and chemical savings of 13% and 8.10%, respectively, compared to the conventional heating method.