Extraction of chitosan from squid pen waste by high hydrostatic pressure: Effects on physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of chitosan

Squid pen sample was treated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) prior to the extraction of chitosan. The physicochemical and antioxidant activities of the chitosan obtained with HHP (HHP-CS) were compared with chitosan of untreated squid pen sample (UT-CS). The chitosan extraction yield was optimized using response surface methodology, and the optimum condition was achieved at pressure of 500 MPa, extraction time of 10 min, and 1% (w/w) acetate concentration. The maximum yield of chitosan sample from the chitin of squid pens treated by HHP reached 81.9%. Among the process variables, the combined effects of pressure and acetate concentration significantly enhanced the extraction of chitosan from squid pens. The HHP-CS was found to be significantly effective in enhancing the fat binding capacity, water binding capacity, and water solubility index. SEM image analysis suggested that the HHP-CS had a rough surface with high porosity, while UT-CS exhibited a smooth surface. In vitro antioxidant assay suggested that HHP-CS had significantly higher DPPH radical scavenging activity, greater reducing power, and a stronger ferrous ion chelating effect than did UT-CS. Therefore, HHP can be an excellent alternative method for improving the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of chitosan from squid pens. •Optimization of HHP-assisted extraction of chitosan from squid pen was studied by RSM.•HHP treatment affects the physicochemical properties of chitosan.•SEM images showed the distinctive morphological features of HHP-CS.•The chitosan obtained by HHP treatment are good source of natural antioxidants.