Optimization studies on chitin extraction from crustacean solid wastes

The research pursued relates to the establishment of interrelationship between various factors affecting chitin extraction, and combination of optimum levels of factors required to maximize the yield of chitin extraction. Optimization of chitin extraction was carried out using crab, lobster, and shrimp solid wastes. The study was divided into two stages: (a) optimization of chitin extractability with respect to particle size; (b) optimization of demineralization and deproteinization stages in lobster chitin extraction using Response Surface Methodology. Particle size had a significant effect on crab and lobster chitin extractability; a particle size of 2.0mm gave the highest yield in chitin extraction. The mean yield of chitin from crab and lobster at particle size of 2.0mm were 28.8% and 23.2%, respectively. Shrimp chitin extractability was not affected by particle size with the mean yield being 25.2%. Response Surface Methodology was used to determine simultaneous effects of (a) concentration of extractant; (b) shell:extractant ratio; (c) temperature of extraction; and (d) time of extraction on deproteinization and demineralization stages of chitin extraction and hence yield of chitin. All variables had an effect on demineralization and deproteinization yields. Maximum demineralization was predictable by a multi-factor model consisting of a combination of concentration of HCl, shell:extractant ratio, temperature and time of extraction. (Abstract shortened by UMI.