Organic Waste Recycling

300 Organic waste recycling: technology and management

The application of chitin and chitosan in the various fields is shown in Figure
6.18, while those of chitin in the industrial and medical fields are listed in Table 6.7.
Due to its characteristics chitosan, when dissolved in dilute acids, becomes a
cationic polymer that can be effectively used in flocculation, film forming, or
immobilization of various biological reagents including enzymes. It can act as a
moisturizing agent in cosmetics or used in wound healing and controlled release
of drugs in animal or human bodies.

Figure 6.17 Production of Chitin and Chitosan

Decalcification: 4% HCl, 24 hrs,

ambient temp (30^0 C)

Deacethylation: 50% NaOH,

Chitin 24 hrs, ambient temperature

Check ash

content

Fresh shrimp

Deproteination: 4% NaOH, 24 hrs,

ambient temp (30^0 C)

Check protein

content

Chitosan