STUDY ON USING ACID LACTIC FOR DEMINERALIZATON OF SHRIMP WASTE IN CHITIN PRODUCTION

Abstract

Chitin and its derivatives-Chitosan are abundant polysaccharides in nature after cellulose. Chitin is
found in both animals and plants. The main source of chitin-chitosan production is crustacean shells
such as shrimp, crab, etc. Demineralization is an important stage in the purification of chitin from
crustacean shells. There are many demineralization methods in chitin production including chemical
and biological methods. Chemical reagents can be inorganic acid (HCl) or organic acid (lactic acid,
acetic acid, formic acid). The objective of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the
demineralization process of shrimp waste with industrial lactic acid and lactic acid generated during
molasses fermentation using Lactobacillus acidophilus. Demineralization with lactic acid had a longer
demineralization time than HCl but less environmental pollution, saved costs, and chitin can be used in
medicine and food.