Abstract
SUMMARYChitin is an aminopolysaccharide of industrial interest commonly obtained from shrimp processing waste through chemical or biotechnological means. Current environmental concerns offer a stimulating perspective for chitin bioextraction with lactic acid bacteria since a considerable reduction in the use of corrosive and pollutant products is possible. Nevertheless, the efficiency of this bioprocess is still a matter of discussion. In this work, the experimental studies of chitin bioextraction from Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) waste with a mixed culture of Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are used in process simulation using Aspen Plus software for the analysis of the potential application of a bioprocess on plant scale. The experimental results of characterization in shake flasks and 1-litre bioreactor indicated that 50 h of fermentation with the mixed culture of lactic acid bacteria was enough to extract more than 90% of minerals and proteins from the shrimp waste. The use of experimental parameters in the simulation allowed a reliable representation of the bioprocess yielding normalized root mean square values below 10%. Simulation was used for the assessment of the impact of the raw material variability on the production costs and gross margin. In this regard, the gross margin of the operation ranged from 42 to 52% depending on the raw material composition and product yield.
Highlights
Chitin is an amino-polysaccharide composed of units of β-(1-4)-d-glucosamine
The protein, mineral, chitin and pigment contents depend markedly on nutritional conditions; the results obtained in this study are in the range reported for this shrimp species [33]
The optimal operating conditions according to the design of experiments (DOE) were: isothermal operation at 40 °C, solid to liquid ratio 1:10 and carbon source mass fraction of 10.3 % (Table S2)
Summary
Chitin is an amino-polysaccharide composed of units of β-(1-4)-d-glucosamine It is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature after cellulose, appearing in the structure of arthropods, fungi and algae [1]. It exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and chelating properties; it is often used in the manufacture of sponges and dressings for the treatment of wounds and burns, in water treatment as chelating agent and in agriculture to protect plants and crops [2]. In the last years the use of shrimp and other shellfish debris to produce chitin and chitosan has emerged as an environmental and economic alternative to the final disposal of this waste [5]. Seafood waste can be bioprocessed using bacteria, fungi or enzymes for partial or complete extraction of pigments, fat, minerals and proteins, avoiding the intensive use of aggressive and chemical pollutants [4,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
