Shrimp Chitosan Research Articles

Extraction and Quality Control of Chitin and Chitosan from Shrimp (Vanami) Litophenause Vanamei Shells Wastes

Objective/Background: The biological value of chitin and chitosan obtained from shrimp, such as physiological compatibility, non-toxicity, bio digestibility, absorption and chelating capacity, depends on qualitative parameters that are directly related to raw material source. This study was carried out to investigate extraction and characterization of chitin and chitosan from shrimp Litophenause vanamei shells wastes. Methods: Chitin and chitosan was extracted and characterized from shrimp L. vanamei shells found in Iran, using conventional methods of pretreatment, demineralization, and deacetylation. In this study, commercial shrimp L. vanamei shell was used to extract chitin and chitosan. Results: The degree of deacetylation of shrimp chitosan (49%) is directly related to solubility of chitosan. Chitosan is considered to have excellent biological value with these qualitative parameters. The yield of shrimp chitosan was 13.96%. Conclusion: These results showed that use of shrimp shell waste to produce chitin and chitosan will have more economic and biological value along with reducing environmental pollution.

Bio-Composite Films Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan Incorporated with Calcium Oxide: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity.

The utilization of biopolymers incorporated with antimicrobial agents is extremely interesting in the development of environmentally friendly functional materials for food packaging and other applications. In this study, the effect of calcium oxide (CaO) on the morphological, mechanical, thermal, and hydrophilic properties as well as the antimicrobial activity of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) bio-composite films was investigated. The CMCH was synthesized from shrimp chitosan through carboxymethylation, whereas the CaO was synthesized via a co-precipitation method with polyethylene glycol as a stabilizer. The CMCH-CaO bio-composite films were prepared by the addition of synthesized CaO into the synthesized CMCH using a facile solution casting method. As confirmed by XRD and SEM, the synthesized CaO has a cubic shape, with an average crystalline size of 25.84 nm. The synthesized CaO exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (>99.9% R). The addition of CaO into CMCH improved the mechanical and hydrophobic properties of the CMCH-CaO films. However, it resulted in a slight decrease in thermal stability. Notably, the CMCH-CaO10% films exhibited exceptional antimicrobial activity against E. coli (98.8% R) and S. aureus (91.8% R). As a result, such bio-composite films can be applied as an active packaging material for fruit, vegetable, or meat products.

Antibacterial activity of vaname shrimp chitosan gel against Phorphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in mothers with periodontal disease

Background: Dental plaque is a breeding ground for Phorphyromonas gingivalis bacteria which causes periodontal disease. Chitosan is a compound derived from the deacetylation of chitin in marine animals such as shrimp which has been proven to be antibacterial, non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable. During pregnancy there is an increase in acid levels in the oral cavity, as well as exposure to stomach acid on the teeth and gingiva which results in inflammation of the gingiva and periodontal tissue. This study aims to determine the activity of chitosan in inhibiting the growth of Phorphyromonas gingivalis bacteria in postnatal mothers with periodontal disease. Method: True experimental randomized pre-test and post-test control group design, with topical administration of 2% chitosan gel to mothers with gingivitis in Badung Regency, Bali. The sample was 14 postpartum mothers, divided into control groups (given base gel) and treatment (2% chitosan gel). The degree of gingivitis is measured using Modified Gingival Indexes (MGI), for antibacterial by calculating the number of Phorphyromonas gingivalis deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) copies using Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Descriptively, there was a difference in the decrease in the average MGI index in the control and treatment groups on the 7th and 21st days, as well as in the average number of bacteria. The Wilcoxon test showed p<0.05, in the control and treatment groups, meaning there was a significant decrease in the MGI index on the 7th and 21st days. Calculation of the number of Phorphyromonas gingivalis bacteria showed p<0.05, meaning there was a decrease in the number in the control and treatment groups. However, the Mann Whitney test results showed p>0.05, meaning there was no significant relationship between the control and treatment groups, either on the MGI index or the number of Phorphyromonas gingivalis bacteria. Conclusion: Vaname 2% shrimp chitosan gel has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

The Use of Natural Polymers to Enhance Oil Recovery

This paper reports a laboratory study on the use of natural polymers to increase oil recovery. The use of natural polymers compared to synthetic polymers is more economical due to their abundant availability, renewability, biodegradability, and non-toxicity to the environment as they do not use chemicals. The purpose of this research is to measure the aqueous solution stability test and recovery factor produced by natural polymers through core flooding tests. The natural polymers used are Shrimp Chitosan, Crab Chitosan, Cyclea Barbata Miers, Mesona Palustris, and Seaweed. The methods used in this research are aqueous solution stability test and core flooding test. The shrimp chitosan solution used had a concentration from 5,000; 10,000 and 15,000 ppm and 2 salinities between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm. The crab chitosan solution used had a concentration from 5,000; 10,000 and 15,000 ppm with 2 salinities between 10,000 and 20,000 ppm. The Cyclea barbata Miers solution used had a concentration from 1,500; 2,500 and 3,500 ppm and 2 salinities between 7,000 and 15,000 ppm. The Mesona Palustris solution used had a concentration from 500; 1,000 and 2,000 ppm and 3 salinities from 10,000; 15,000 and 20,000 ppm. The Seaweed solution used had a concentration from 1,000; 2,000 and 3,000 ppm and 3 salinities from 5,000; 10,000 and 15,000 ppm. Sandpack is used as a porous media for crab chitosan experiments, while sandstone core is used for Cyclea Barbata Miers and Mesona Palustris with crude oil 44°API. The aqueous solution stability test showed that all polymer solution samples were clear for various concentrations and salinities. Except for the solutions of Cyclea barbata Miers and Masona palustris which are greenish and blackish respectively. Transmittance for shrimp and crab chitosan solutions shows a value of more than 80%. This shows that natural polymers are compatible with brine. Flooding tests were carried out to measure oil recovery related to the use of natural polymers. The experimental results showed that the best additional oil recovery was 10.3% using crab chitosan solution injection. The chitosan solution used had a concentration of 15,000 ppm and a viscosity of 1,729 cp. We can conclude that the addition of polymer can improve recovery factor.

THE IMMUNE MODULATING POTENTIAL OF SUPPLEMENTING COBB500 BROILER CHICKENS WITH CRICKET AND SHRIMP CHITIN AND CHITOSAN

This study explored the potential impacts of cricket-derived chitin and chitosan on the immune systems of Cobb500 broilers. One hundred and fifty broiler chicks of the Cobb500 strain were randomly assigned to any one of the five dietary groups in order to accomplish this. While the first set of birds (group 1) were only served the basal diet with no supplementation, the second to fifth sets of birds (groups 2 to 5) were served a diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of the following: cricket-chitin, cricket-chitosan, shrimp-chitin, and shrimp-chitosan. The bursa and spleen were weighed relative to the body weight, and qPCR was used to determine the spleen's relative expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), toll-like receptor 15 (TLR15), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes. After 42 days of dietary cricket-chitin, the bulk of the index immunological organs increased (P<0.05). At day 21, TLR4, TLR15, IL-1β, and iNOS expression were unaffected by chitin and chitosan, but at day 42, they were down-regulated (P<0.05). However, during day 21, dietary shrimp-derived chitosan enhanced (P<0.05) the relative expression of TLR4, TLR15, and IL-1β, whereas the expression of TLR15 was lowered (P<0.05) but that of TLR4 was increased by cricket-chitin and shrimp-chitin. According to our findings, feeding broiler chicks with 500 mg/kg of shrimp chitosan and cricket-derived chitin can positively boost their immunity.

Environmentally friendly strength bio-composite preparation by grafting of HEMA onto shrimp chitosan without destroying original microstructure to enrich their physicochemical, thermomechanical, and morphological properties

Shrimp shell is the most significant chitin source among bio-based materials since a huge quantity of crustacean wastes has been expelled out as a waste material from various shrimp processing industries/zones. The carapaces were treated by 2 M HCl for demineralization (DM), 2 N NaOH for deproteinization (DP), and 50 % NaOH for deacetylation (DA) to extract chitosan, without destroying the inherent microstructure of native shells. Then grafting was carried out by 2‑hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by using a redox initiator K2S2O8/FeSO4 to produce environmentally friendly strength bio-composite. Meanwhile, maximum yield was found when the concentration of monomer and initiator were 2.55 × 10−1 mol/L, 8.48 × 10−3 mol/L, at 70°C whereas the value has been recorded around 73.33±0.03 %. Besides the honeycomb microstructure of chitosan could enhance the overall properties of the fabricated biocomposites by using mechanical interlocking mechanism during compounding. The samples were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), solid-state 13C cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CPMAS-NMR) and tensile strength (TS) techniques. The microstructure and thermo-mechanical profile exhibited noteworthy changes on the bulk property of the CS-g-HEMA composites. Result suggested that the shrimp waste shell would be an attractive source of strength bio-composites that retains outstanding physicochemical, thermomechanical, morphological properties. Thus the grafted products would be significantly utilized in various engineering, and bulk scale industrial applications as a suitable replacement of fossil based synthetic ones for the sustainable environmental protection.

Modeling of the adsorption of acidic dyes by chitosan using both kinetic and thermodynamic comparisons

Two chitosans from two different sources crab shell chitosan (CC) and deep-pink shrimp chitosan (CP) were used in a batch system to test the adsorption of two acidic dyes, Acid Red 183 (AR183) and Acid Red 114 (AR114), and the results were compared with those of acid-washed powdered activated carbon (PAC). The effects of temperature, contact time, and starting dye concentration on the removal of AR114 and AR183 dye were investigated in a series of batch adsorption studies. The two chitosans had the highest dye absorption capacity for each AR dye-adsorbent system at 45 °C. The capacity of each adsorbent to adsorb increased when the initial dye concentration was increased up to 500 mg L−1. Chitosan CP was the most efficient of the three adsorbents, with maximum AR114 and AR183 absorption of 440 and 447 mg g−1, respectively, at 45 °C. At all concentrations and temperatures examined, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model accurately represented the adsorption kinetics, and the rate constants of second-order adsorption (k2) at these temperatures were calculated, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of dyes on chitosans was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic process, and the adsorption of the dyes on each adsorbent may be chemical in nature. Results indicated that the synthesized chitosans were shown to be a promising adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions.

High quality, low molecular weight shrimp and crab chitosans obtained by short-time holistic high-power microwave technology

The study sought to investigate the impact of a holistic high-power microwave technology during all stages of the extraction on the quality, time of extraction, and degree of deacetylation (DD) of shrimp chitosan (SC) and crab chitosan (KC). The demineralization and deproteinization stages took 7 and 8 min, at 750 and 875 W, respectively. The deacetylation process was conducted at two powers, 875 W and 1250 W, for 10, 15, and 20 min. It only took 25 min at 875 W to successfully prepare chitosan with a high DD and 30 min to reach the maximum DD. The highest DDs by the potentiometric titration method, FTIR, and 1H NMR of SC were 86.6%, 86.7%, and 83%, compared to 83.8%, 82.7%, and 80% for KC, respectively. Extracted SC had 79% solubility, 14.125 kDa, a 46.57% crystallinity index, 705.40% WBC, and 434.60% FBC, against 74.5%, 16.982 kDa, 74.14%, 689.82%, and 413.20% for KC, respectively. The study proved that 30 min of holistic high-power microwave at 875 W produced low-molecular-weight chitosan with relatively high deacetylation and low content of viscosity, crystallinity, and protein residue. The technique can provide a feasible alternative to the commercial production of low-molecular-weight chitosan in less time and energy.

Chemical extraction, characterization, and inspection of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of shrimp chitosan against foodborne fungi and bacteria.

Nowadays, the exploitation of biopolymers in the industrial sector has become a trend. Chitosan is considered one of the most investigated biopolymers due to its abundance and antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm activities. In this work, chitosan was chemically extracted from shrimp shells. Solutions of HCl 1M, NaOH 4M, and NaOH 15M were used for the demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation process, respectively. The utilized methods of characterization (FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and SEC-MALS) revealed that the obtained chitosan has a moderate degree of deacetylation and low molecular weight (DDA = 74% and Mw = 72.14kDa). The microdilution method and inoculation of solid medium were carried out to assess the antibiofilm action of chitosan against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus hirae, Escherichia coli, Rhizopus sp., and Aspergillus sp. which are known as foodborne microorganisms. Results showed that the produced chitosan at 1g/L inhibits between 63.44 and 99.75% of the microbial biofilm depending on the tested strains. These promising results confirm the potential deployment of the obtained chitosan in the food industry as a replacement for synthetic antimicrobial agents.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHITOSAN NATURAL SOURCES ON PULP TISSUE REGENERATION

Background: Dental pulp plays a role in forming dentin, providing nutrition, and sensing harmful stimuli to the tooth. Pulp damage can occur due to physical, chemical, and biological factors. A regenerative therapy was developed so that the pulp can regenerate its tissue and the teeth can survive in the oral cavity with vital conditions. Tissue engineering is a principle developed in the treatment of pulp tissue regeneration. The main elements of tissue engineering are stem cells, scaffolds, and growth factors. Scaffolds are elements that support cell organization, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and vascularization. One example of a biomaterial that can be used as a scaffold is chitosan. Chitosan has been proved to be suitable as a biomedical material because it has several beneficial properties including increasing cell proliferation, attachment, and differentiation. Purpose: This study aims to determine the most effective natural ingredient chitosan for pulp tissue regeneration. Methods: This study used the literature review method with a narrative review procedure. The literature was searched using Google Scholar, Science Direct, ProQuest, and PubMed. Results: The results of the study from 6 articles showed that chitosan from shrimp, crab, and mushroom had the potential to increase pulp tissue regeneration in terms of 3 indicators (cell proliferation, attachment, and differentiation). Conclusion: The most effective chitosan from natural sources for pulp regeneration is shrimp chitosan and mushroom chitosan. Keywords: Chitosan, Natural Sources, Pulp Tissue Regeneration

Swollen-state preparation of chitosan lactate from moulted shrimp shells and its application for harvesting marine microalgae Nannochloropsis sp.

Chitosan lactate (CSS) has been widely used for academic and industrial applications due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high biological activity. Unlike chitosan, which is generally soluble only in acid solution, CSS can be directly used by dissolving in water. In this study, CSS was prepared from moulted shrimp chitosan at room temperature by a solid-state method. Chitosan was first swollen in a mixture of ethanol and water, making it more susceptible to reacting with lactic acid in the next step. As a result, the prepared CSS had a high solubility (over 99 %) and zeta potential (+ 99.3 mV) and was comparable to the commercial product. The preparation method of CSS is facile and efficient for a large-scale process. In addition, the prepared product exhibited a potential flocculant for harvesting Nannochloropsis sp., a marine microalga widely used as a popular food for larvae. In the best condition, the CSS solution (250 ppm) at pH 10 showed the highest recovery capacity (∼ 90 % after 120 min) for harvesting Nannochloropsis sp. Besides, the harvested microalgal biomass showed excellent regeneration after 6 culture days. This paper's findings suggest a circular economy in aquaculture by producing value-added products from solid wastes, which can minimize the environmental impact and move towards sustainable zero-waste.

Evaluation of chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites against bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drurry

Aim: The present research work was carried out to evaluate the effect of commercially available shrimp chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites (CSN) on the inhibition of bacterial pathogens of tropical tasar silkworm. Methodology: Synthesis of chitosan silver nanocomposite was by carried by using chemical precipitation method. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using different techniques. Further, antimicrobial potential of the chitosan and chitosan silver nanocomposites was evaluated by in vitro inhibition assay. The minimum inhibitory concentration of both chitosan and chitosan nanocomposites was estimated against bacterial pathogens of tasar silkworm. Results: Chitosan at different concentrations showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogens (Bacillus spp., Micrococcus spp., and Serratia spp.) of tropical tasar silkworm under in vitro conditions. The 0.2% concentration of chitosan and CSN was identified as a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacterial pathogens. Interpretation: Based on the findings of this study, the 0.2% concentration of CSNs may be considered as minimum inhibitory concentration against bacterial pathogens infecting tropical tasar silkworms. Key words: Bacterial pathogens, Chitosan silver nanocomposites, Tropical tasar silkworm

Extraction and Characterization of Chitosan from the Shell Wastes of Indian Shrimp Using Different Methods of Deacetylation

Objectives: Shrimps are a good source of chitosan, a deacetylated form of chitin, which has several medical and industrial applications. We aimed to convert waste shrimp shells to high-value chitosan product. Methods: The waste shells of the Indian shrimp, Fenneropeanus indicus were collected from Ukkadam market, Coimbatore, India, and they were subjected to demineralisation, deproteination, and deacetylation under different concentrations of NaOH, at varying temperatures. The derived chitosan was named as LAHT SCS (low alkali high temperature shrimp chitosan), HAHT SCS (high alkali high temperature shrimp chitosan), or HART SCS (high alkali room temperature shrimp chitosan), based on the treatment. Findings: The extracted chitosan samples were evaluated for physical characteristics such as moisture, ash content, and degree of deacetylation (DD). In addition, they were subjected to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The HAHT SCS sample was completely soluble in 1% acetic acid and the degree of deacetylation (DD) was higher than that of standard chitosan; the crystallinity was 71%. Therefore, the extraction method employing a higher concentration of alkali (60%) and a higher deacetylation temperature (120◦C) for a long duration enhanced the solubility, conferred a higher DD (>70%), a higher crystallinity index (>60%), and less amount of ash content; all these indicate the higher quality of the sample. Among the three samples, HAHT SCS is promising for pharmaceutical and other medical applications. Novelty: The extraction of good quality chitosan from the Indian shrimp wastes was standardized. The chitosan has medicinal and industrial applications. In addition, this would reduce the pollution from improperly discarded shrimp wastes. Keywords: CrI; Chitosan; Chitin; Shrimp; Degree of deacetylation; X-ray diffraction; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Encapsulation of Nepeta hormozganica and Nepeta dschuprensis essential oils in shrimp chitosan NPs: Enhanced antifungal activity

This study investigated the encapsulation of Nepeta hormozganica (NHEO) and Nepeta Dschuprensis (NDEO) essential oils into chitosan nanoparticles (CSN) via a simple ionic gelation method with tripolyphosphate (TPP). Chitosan (CS) is prepared by demineralizing, deproteinizing, and deacetylating shrimp shells waste in high yield (70.2 %). SEM, TEM, FT-IR, TGA, and XRD techniques were employed to characterize the encapsulated essential oils ((NHEO-CSN) and (NDEO-CSN)). The prepared EOs-CSN and CSN are found with particle sizes of 100–150 nm and 400–500 nm, respectively, and regular distribution. The encapsulation efficiency of encapsulated Nepeta hormozganica and Dschuprensis essential oils were found to be 73.64 % and 75.91 %, respectively. The synthesized nanocapsules were evaluated for antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporium, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Alternaria alternata, Rhizactonia Solani, and Botrytis cinerea. Antifungal studies show that encapsulated essential oils increased antifungal efficiency by up to 100 %.

Comparative Study of Two Organic Wastes as Adsorbents in the Treatment of Water Rich in Nitrogen Compounds

Background: The objective of this work was to propose the treatment of the wastewater from Laguna da Jansen using adsorptive processes of residues of pineapple crown and shrimp chitosan. Methods: Residual substrates were distributed in 11 Erlenmeyers, and 250 mL of residual pond water were added; the solution was incubated under agitation at the times and amounts established by the Experimental Design (DCCR). After this period, analyses of pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, and nitrite, morphological analyses by SEM, and structural analyses by FTIR and XRD were performed. Results: The FTIR and SEM results showed that the biomass presented active chemical groups and a morphology rich in pores. The experimental design showed that the substrate content was the variable that influenced the lagoon effluent treatments for both tested biomasses; however, when observing the specific values of the response variables, the vegetable adsorbent was more efficient with the conditions of 15g of substrate and 30 days of process. Conclusion: Plant biomass is more efficient in the treatment of effluents rich in organic materials. It can be used in treatment plants as an alternative for the removal of toxic compounds present in wastewater and effluents.

Biocompatibility and immunostimulatory properties of fish collagen and shrimp chitosan towards peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)

Several naturally occurring biopolymers are commercially produced from livestock and farmed animals processing wastes, including aquatic organisms. These wastes are considered valuable coproducts of fishery processing industry, from which biopolymers may be recovered and exploited for their bioactive potential. The aim of this work was to prepare polymeric films from collagen and chitosan solutions, extracted from fishery discards, and investigate the cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory activity towards human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). PBMCs were isolated from healthy donors and treated with Chitosan, Collagen, Chitosan+Collagen solutions and Chitosan+Collagen film in order to measure the changes in cell viability, cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, differentiation and activation of T CD8+ and CD4+ lymphocytes, and cytokine production. Results showed that collagen and chitosan preparations did not show cytotoxic effect, while cellular IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α release was observed. Chitosan and collagen were able to promote non-cytotoxic PBMCs activation through cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS production. There was a noteworthy phenotyping of lymphocytes T CD8+ and CD4+ counting and an increase of [Ca2+] cyt and ΔΨm levels. These results suggest that chitosan/collagen-based biomaterials produce immunostimulatory effects on PBMC with potential to biomedical approaches.

Biocompatible fibers from fungal and shrimp chitosans for suture application

• Fungal and shrimp chitosan were wet spun to monofilament yarns. • Using adipic acid as solvent generally resulted in fibers with higher tensile strength compared to fibers obtained using lactic acid. • Chitosan monofilaments showed a similar or better biocompatibility compared to commercial sutures. • Fungal and shrimp chitosan fibers are good candidates for being used as sutures. Purified fungal chitosan and crustacean chitosan were wet spun by using adipic and lactic acids as solvent. The lowest viscosity at which fiber formation was possible was 0.5 Pa·s; below this value, aggregates from low molecular weight fungal chitosan (32 kDa) formed, which could not be collected and dried. Fiber formation was achieved with high molecular weight fungal (400 kDa) and shrimp (406.7 kDa) chitosans as well as low molecular weight shrimp chitosan (50–190 kDa). Fibers made of high molecular weight chitosans with adipic acid as the solvent generally exhibited higher tensile strength; the highest observed tensile strength and Young’s modulus were 308.0±18.4 MPa and 22.7±4.0 GPa, respectively. SEM images indicated the formation of cylindrical chitosan fibers. The survival (viability) of human skin fibroblasts in presence of different fibers was measured using tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and results confirmed that chitosan fibers have better biocompatibility than common conventional sutures, regardless of the chitosan and acid type. Accordingly, chitosan fibers from fungal and shrimp sources serve as good candidates for application as sutures.

Biodegradable plastic modification from durian seed starch and shrimp chitosan with the addition of plasticiziers glycerol and polyglycerol using microwaves

Plastic waste takes up to 450 years to decompose. These problems can be overcome by creating other alternatives, one of which is by using biodegradable plastic. Biodegradable plastics are plastics made from natural polymers that are easily degraded by microorganisms. This study aims to examine the effect of the amount of plasticizer on the length of the degradation process and the effect of using microwaves on the length of time for molding biodegradable plastic. This biodegradable plastic is made by combining durian seed starch, shrimp chitosan and plasticizers in the form of glycerol and polyglycerol with volume variations of 1 mL, 2 mL, 3 mL, 4 mL, and 5 mL. This polymerization was carried out using a microwave with a power of 100 watts for 60 minutes. The resulting biodegradable plastics were characterized using the FTIR test, the Mechanical Properties test, the Absorbency test, and the Biodegradation test to determine the quality of the biodegradable plastic. The results of this study indicate the greatest tensile strength value is 1.9768 MPa, the largest elongation value is 21.2772%, the smallest water absorption is 45.40% for 5 minutes, and the largest degraded mass is 0.908 grams for 7 days. Based on this research, it can be concluded that the use of polyglycerol can accelerate the plastic degradation process. In addition, the use of microwaves can speed up the molding time of biodegradable plastics.

Upgrading the preparation of high-quality chitosan from Procambarus clarkii wastes over the traditional isolation of shrimp chitosan

Crustacean waste is one of the most severe issues, posing significant environmental and health risks. This study aims to improve managing marine waste by isolating chitosan fromProcambarus clarkiiby devising a new methodology, incorporating technical steps, e.g., washing, decolorization and deacetylation under a reflexive condenser and dialysis purification. A comparison was made between the preparedP. clarkiichitosan and four types of shrimp chitosans: commercial, high, low, and nano. The obtained chitosan has a low molecular weight and viscosity compared to the commercial shrimp chitosan used in various applications.P. clarkiichitosan was prepared in high quality from a cheap source, as its color and quality were better than those of the commercial shrimp chitosan. The new methodology has successfully extracted chitosan fromP. clarkiiin a good quality and high purity, achieving 89% deacetylation, high solubility, high purity, and medium molecular weight. Analysis of the different chitosan samples with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy, Raman spectrum referred indicated high similarity between the chitosan different types, regardless of its source. The 3D image ofP. clarkiishowed the distance between the highest and most profound points of extracted chitosan is 728.94 nm, revealing homogeneous, smooth surfaces, apparently free of pores and cracks. FTIR and Raman spectrum ofP. clarkiiindicated various functional groups, e.g., alcohol, amines, amides, and phenols. These active groups are responsible for about 60% of the antioxidant activity of that product. Evaluating the quality traits indicated the excellence of the chitosan prepared fromP. clarkii, especially in color, viscosity, and antioxidant activity, nominating it for different food applications.

Development of Chitosan Films from Edible Crickets and Their Performance as a Bio-Based Food Packaging Material

Edible insects have gained attention due to their impressive nutritional composition, as well as their efficient use of natural resources. However, a research gap remains on the applications of insect chitosan, especially as it relates to their potential use as food packaging material. Chitosan from two reared cricket species (Acheta domesticus and Gryllodes sigillatus) was evaluated for use as food packaging material. Cricket chitosan films (CCF) were structurally similar to commercial shrimp chitosan films (SCF) at controlled glycerol levels, as seen by shared spectral peaks in FT-IR analyses. Mechanical properties of CCF showed they had equal or greater tensile strength when compared to commercial SCF, although flexibility was lower. Scanning electron microscopy showed increased roughness of microstructure, likely increasing the tortuosity. As a result, CCF had improved water vapor permeability compared to commercial SCF. Melanin complexes present in cricket chitin and chitosan increased hydrophobicity and decreased light transmittance. This study also revealed that intrinsic species differences, which occur during insect and crustacean exoskeleton development, could have effects on the functionality of chitosan packaging materials. Overall, CCF were found to be as effective as commercial SCF, while providing additional advantages. CCF derived from reared crickets have good mechanical and barrier properties, and improved water resistance and light barrier characteristics. Edible cricket chitosan has the potential to be used as bio-based packaging material for food and pharmaceutical applications.