Development and Characterization of Nanochitosan Derived from Slipper Lobsters (Thenus orientalis) for Cholesterol Inhibition via a Novel Drug Delivery System

The slipper lobster (Thenus orientalis) is a marine commodity with substantial potential but remains underutilised, as 50% of its body comprises a carapace that usually ends up being wasted. Nonetheless, this body part has demonstrated an opportunity as a raw material for nutraceuticals in the form of nanochitosan. This study aimed to determine the degree of deacetylation of slipper-lobster-derived chitosan, evaluate its characteristics (yield, pH, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, particle morphology, and stability in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids), and test its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol. The research was conducted in four stages: (1) preparation of powder and extraction of chitosan from the carapace, (2) production of nanochitosan, (3) in vitro stability testing of nanochitosan, and (4) testing the cholesterol inhibition efficacy of nanochitosan at different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 4%). The optimal nanochitosan specimen was one that was subjected to treatment T2 (two hours of agitation), with a yield of 79.97%, particle size of 330.59 nm, polydispersity index of 0.42, zeta potential of +5.40 mV, pH of 5.32, and strong stability in artificial gastric and intestinal fluids. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic chitosan functional groups, such as amide and hydroxyl groups, in the nanochitosan structure. SEM imaging revealed a smooth and uniform surface morphology of the nanochitosan particles. Nanochitosan reduced cholesterol by 11.68%, 14.01%, 41.75%, and 52.28% (p < 0.01) at concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 4%, respectively. These results indicate that slipper lobster nanochitosan meets pharmaceutical-grade standards, showing potential for development as a therapeutic agent for cholesterol reduction.