Improved method for production of chitin and chitosan from shrimp shells

In this study, pretreatment procedures have been investigated preceding the standard production of chitin and chitosan. These steps can be used in industrial processes to preserve raw shrimp shells as long as the amount of material is not enough for one production batch. After these treatments, shrimp shells are clean and are facile for further demineralization, deproteinization and deacetylation processes. The prepared chitin and chitosan show a high purity with very low ash (less than 0.3%) and protein residues (less than 0.5%), along with their high molecular weight and high crystallinity. This modified approach has potential for application in large-scale production due to its ease of operation and reduction of environmental concerns. [Display omitted] •The pretreatment procedure removes a disproportional high amount of waste.•After pretreatment, shrimp shells are clean and are facile for further processes.•The prepared chitin and chitosan show high purity, molecular weight and crystallinity.•This modified approach has potential for application in large-scale production.