Recent Studies on the Use of Exoskeletons of Shrimp (Litopenaeus vanammei) and Crab (Ucides cordatus) for the Extraction of Chitosan and Production of Nanomembrane

Chitin is widely distributed in nature, being the main structural component of the exoskeleton of
crustaceans and is non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible. The present work exploits the
extraction of the chitosan from chitin that is present in the exoskeletons of shrimps Litopenaeus
vannamei and crabs Ucides cordatus and transforms it into high valued products. One example is the
manufacture of nanomembranes from chitosan for the application in medical textiles.
Nanomembranes using electrospinning of chitosan solutions (7% and 5 wt%) with 100:0 v/v
(TFA/DCM) and 70:30 v/v (TFA/DCM) were produced. Morphological properties of chitin and chitosan
were studied using SEM, DRX, and ther-mal properties through TG/DTG and molecular structure by
FTIR analysis. TG/DTG showed thermal decomposition of chitosan samples. X-ray diffraction analysis
indicated the semi-crystalline structure of chitosan, and highly crystalline structure for chitin.
Morphologies of the nanomembranes were also observed from scanning electron micrographs.
Results showed that the nanomembranes with 5% chitosan solutions with 70:30 v/v (TFA/DCM)
showed facilitation in the formation of the nanomembranes. With positive results obtained, the present
work will help the authorities to organize the fishermen to have consciousness in the collection of
exoskeleton waste as well as helping to have a better environment.