Synthesis and Characterization of Alpha-Origin Chitosan from Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) Indicus Exoskeleton Waste

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Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans and in insects, is known for its non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable properties, making it highly valuable in biomedical applications. However, the high cost and variable purity of commercially available chitosan limit its widespread use. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of alpha-origin chitosan from Penaeus indicus exoskeleton waste using a multi-step process, including deproteinization, demineralization, deacetylation, and purification. Two purification strategies were employed; one incorporating a demetallization step to enhance material quality. Characterization was performed using contact angle analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), stereo microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The synthesized chitosan exhibited hydrophilic characteristics, with contact angles ranging from 61° to 73°, confirming its biodegradability and biocompatibility. The structural analysis of purified samples revealed improved porosity, surface morphology, and fibrous features. The removal of metallic impurities was confirmed by EDS, with oxygen and carbon making 99% of the composition of material. A high degree of deacetylation (>80%) was demonstrated by FTIR analysis. The most refined chemical profile was found to be exhibited by the demetallized chitosan. These results indicate that local shrimp shells can be used to synthesize high-purity α-chitosan with physicochemical properties similar to commercially used chitosan. The incorporation of demetallization step significantly improved the structural features and chemical purity of the material, making it suitable for biomedical applications. The proposed method provides a scalable, sustainable, and cost-effective synthesis approach that use inexpensive marine waste and reduce dependence on imported raw materials for producing high-quality chitosan for both industrial and biomedical applications.

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July 2026

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