ECOLOGICAL EXTRACTION OF CHITIN AND BYPRODUCTS.

摘要

The present invention describes a process for extracting chitin and byproducts from the skeleton of arthropods such as insects and crustaceous by means of a dissolving method which does not degrade or contaminate the chitin molecule. The shrimp cephalothorax is a residue generated from the shrimp industry, which is constituted by proteins, mineral salts and chitin; the residue is ground and washed with a diluted solution of saponified vegetable oil so that proteins are removed therefrom and calcareous chitin is obtained. Chitin is extracted from calcareous chitin by dissolving the same in a saturated solution of calcium chloride; the chitin is subsequently recovered from the dissolution by precipitating it with water. Chitin films, sponges and paper are obtained depending on the form the chitin is precipitated. The present invention allows soluble chitin to be acquired, thereby facilitating the subsequent use thereof. Furthermore, the chitin molecule is not degraded and residues are n ot generated since the solvent used therefor is recovered and reused. Chitin is a non-toxic biodegradable polysaccharide that has a wide range of applications such as a synthetic plastic substitute, in the medicine field, in the cosmetic industry, for treating water and wastewaters, for removing and recovering heavy metals, in the agricultural field, and for protecting vegetable products against harmful attacks of microorganisms.