Chitin and Chitosan from Sepia officinalis: Extraction and Characterization Study

A cuttlebone sourced from Sepia officinalis, acquired from the Iskenderun fish market, served as the raw material for the extraction of chitin (CT) and chitosan (CS). The chemical structure and physico-chemical properties of both CT and CS were comprehensively characterized through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The yields of CT and CS obtained from the cuttlebone of S. officinalis were calculated as 32.1% and 72.6%, respectively. The results of FTIR spectrum analysis revealed the presence of functional groups at various bands, confirming the samples to be CT and CS. The deacetylation degree (DD) value was determined to be 84.20% based on the FTIR results. The crystal index (CrI) of CT obtained from the cuttlebone was calculated as 60.13%. Morphological distinctions between CT and CS biopolymers were emphasized by the results of SEM analysis. The successful extraction of these biopolymers from the cuttlebone of S. officinalis, species of significant commercial importance and widespread consumption, was accomplished. These biopolymers derived from the shells of marine animals can be utilized as sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in various applications. These have the potential to offer alternative and innovative solutions in various fields such as batteries, microwave electronics, packaging materials and the pharmaceutical industry.