Extraction of astaxanthin using ultrasound-assisted natural deep eutectic solvents from shrimp wastes and its application in bioactive films

The present work focuses on astaxanthin (ASX) extraction from shrimp wastes using ultrasound-assisted (UAE) natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDESs) and the utilization of ASX-rich NaDES extracts (ASX-NaDESs) for preparing biodegradable active packaging. The effects of hydrogen bond donor (HBD)/acceptor (HBA) molar ratio, ultrasound amplitude, extraction time for the ASX extraction were observed, and influential parameters were optimized using three-level-factor Box-Behnken design (BBD) with response surface methodology (RSM). The ASX-NaDES extract obtained in the optimum condition (68.98 +/- 1.22 mu g ASX/g shrimp waste), which was predicted by the model (69.09 mu g/g of waste), was further used as plasticizer for chitosan (CS)-based biodegradable films. Films prepared using the ASX-NaDES/CS showed better radical scavenging activities than films prepared using pure NaDES/CS. Thermal stability, optical, and mechanical properties of the prepared films were also observed. ASX extraction using UAE NaDESs and further utilization of the ASX-NaDES extracts in biodegradable films can play an important role in cleaner production. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study focuses on extracting astaxanthin from shrimp wastes using ultrasound-assisted natural deep eutectic solvents and utilizing the extracts for biodegradable packaging. The optimized ASX-NaDES extract serves as a plasticizer for chitosan-based films, exhibiting superior radical scavenging activities and other physical properties. The use of UAE NaDES for ASX extraction and subsequent incorporation into biodegradable films shows potential for cleaner production.