Efficient and Eco-friendly Chitin Production from Crab Shells Using Novel Deep Eutectic Solvents

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer in the world after cellulose and commonly found in crustaceans. It is also the most abundant natural nitrogen-containing polysaccharide. The challenge in separation of chitin directly from snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) shells is that the solvent used must be versatile in removing calcium carbonate and protein while also being efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective. In this study, chitin was extracted from snow crab shells using a DES consisting of TEBAC and lactic acid. DES successfully removed minerals and proteins, with a deproteinization rate of 95.51% and a decalcification rate of 96.41%, while the purity of chitin was 91.15% and the yield was 21.31%. Furthermore, the extracted chitin has large pores on its surface, making it an ideal matrix for biomedical materials. This study provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for the utilization of crustacean waste using multifunctional DES.