Production of Chitin and Chitosan from Shrimp Shell in Batch Culture of Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum, as a potential lactic acid and protease producer, was used for biological extraction of chitin from shrimp shell. L. plantarum was grown in a batch culture containing shrimp shell powder and date syrup, incubated at 30 °C. The produced organic acids and proteases in L. plantarum culture were able to demineralize and deproteinize shrimp shell. Percentages of deproteinization and demineralization were 45 and 54, respectively. In post treatment of the sample, dilute acid and alkali, were implemented to produce the specific chitin. Chitin was converted to chitosan by N-deacetylation with NaOH solution. Percentage of deacetylation based on FTIR spectrum was 83 %.