Trends in shrimp shells valorization for bioactive ingredients extraction: Opinion and perspectives towards circular biorefinery approaches

The valorization of shrimp shells (SS) has gained attention from various stakeholders due to its environmental benefits and its potential as a valuable source of chitin/chitosan, proteins, lipids, minerals. Conventional extraction of chitin/chitosan from SS has been controversially debated, prompting exploration into the feasibility of green technologies for SS valorization. This study reviews trends in SS valorization, highlights green technologies used, and compares them with conventional extraction methods based on research from the past five years. Conventional extraction of chitin/chitosan was reported to hinder the recovery of other bioactive compounds such as proteins and lipids. Alternative green technologies (including microbial fermentation, enzymatic processes, green solvent, and advanced physical techniques) show potential for eliminating the use of harsh chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and concentrated sodium hydroxide. However, the complexity of these technologies limits their application in industrial scale valorization. Both techniques (conventional and green technologies) produced wastewater as a side stream which obviously left another environmental issue to be solved. Considering the role of side stream valorization in achieving The United Nations sustainability goals, an effective, scalable circular biorefinery approach to SS valorization is urgently needed. • Circular biorefinery approach of shrimp shells valorization is presented • Alternative green technologies are weighted against chemical conventional valorization • Shrimp shells valorization generates high amounts of wastewater