Optimization of chitosan extraction from crustacean exoskeleton wastes

The degree of deacetylation, DDA is the most important characteristic for a specific chitosan sample as it mainly influences its chemical and biological properties. Several natural wastes may be used as sources for chitin as for example crabs’ and shrimps’ exoskeletons, and the yield of chitosan extraction is generally small and depends on the chitin extraction and the deacetylation step. The simultaneous maximization of yield and deacetylation degree DDA pointed out some optimal operating conditions of the deacetylation procedure. The maximum yield and maximum DDA can be obtained working with higher NaOH concentrations and longer duration of this step.