Extraction, Characterization and Physico Chemical  Properties of Chitin and Chitosan from Mud Crab  Shell (Scylla Serrata)

A. Kiruba; V. Uthayakumar; S. Munirasu; V. Ramasubramanian

Volume : III, Issue : VIII, August - 2013

Extraction, Characterization and Physico Chemical Properties of Chitin and Chitosan from Mud Crab Shell (Scylla Serrata)

A. Kiruba, V. Uthayakumar, S. Munirasu, V. Ramasubramanian

Abstract :

In the present study, Chitin and Chitosan extracted from the shells of Scylla serrate. The chemical process involving demineralization, deproteinization, decolourizations and deacetylation. The process of deacetylation involves the removal of acetyl groups from the molecular chain of chitin. The purpose of this research is to observe the parameters that can enhance the degree of deacetylation of chitosan production to the highest percentage. The parameters such as temperature, concentration of sodium hydroxide and the time required for heating purpose were observed. The physiochemical characteristics and proximate composition were also determined. The yield of chitosan 38.23%, moisture content (0.40±1.63%), water binding capacity (333 ± 12.5%) and fat binding capacity (166±24%), were measured using FTIR spectra and NMR. Result of the study indicates that crab shells are rich source of chitosan and this chemical constituent very much effects of biological and antimicrobial activities.