article1379764550_Zaku-et-al

Overview

  • Title: Extraction and characterization of chitin; a functional biopolymer obtained from scales of common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio L.)

  • Authors: S. G. Zaku, S. A. Emmanuel, O. C. Aguzue, S. A. Thomas

  • Published in: African Journal of Food Science, Vol. 5(8), pp. 478-483, August 2011

  • Source: http://www.academicjournals.org/ajfs

  • ISSN: 1996-0794

Introduction

  • Chitin: Most abundant natural amino polysaccharide produced almost as much as cellulose.

  • Source: Commonly found in the waste from processing marine food products like crab, shrimp, and fish scales.

  • Production: An estimated 1011 tons of chitin produced annually in the aquatic biosphere.

  • Environmental Concern: Waste from seafood processing poses disposal challenges.

  • Sustainable Materials: Chitin offers potential for developing biodegradable materials and minimizing waste.

  • Biopolymer Benefits:

    • Non-toxic and biocompatible

    • Enzymatically biodegradable

    • High nitrogen content compared to synthetic cellulose.

Materials and Methods

  • Sample Source: Common carp fish scales collected as waste from a restaurant in Kwali Town.

  • Preparation Process:

    1. Washing and Drying: Scales washed and sun-dried for three days.

    2. Milling: Ground into a fine powder.

    3. De-mineralization: Treated with 1M HCl to remove minerals.

    4. Deproteinization: Immersed in 0.5% NaOH at 95°C for 30 minutes.

    5. Drying: Dried at 80°C for four hours.

    6. Chitin Yield: Calculated yield was 20.49%.

  • Characterization Techniques: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Results

Physico-chemical Parameters

  • Moisture Content: 2.12%

  • Ash Content: 1.56%

  • Nitrogen Content: 4.18%

Mineral Content (mg/kg)

  • Ca: 26.84

  • Mg: 50.50

  • Zn: 21.80

  • Fe, Cu, Mn: 12.68, 0.22, and 1.17 respectively

  • Trace Elements: Lead, Cadmium, and Chromium were not detected.

Characterization of Biopolymer Chitin

FTIR Results

  • Spectra Overview: Characteristic bands indicating authenticity of chitin, conforming with literature.

    • Key Absorption Peaks:

      • 3426.66 cm-1: O-H stretching vibrations

      • 2967.58 cm-1: C-H vibrations

      • 1654.98 cm-1: C=O stretching from acetamide

      • Bands at 1535.39 and 1456.30 cm-1: Bending vibrations of –NH and stretching of –CN respectively.

      • 1048.35 cm-1: C-O-C stretching in glucosamine ring.

      • 878.60 cm-1: Ring stretching of characteristic β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

SEM Analysis

  • Morphology: Chitin displayed porous and fibrillated structures at varying magnifications.

XRD Analysis

  • Crystallization: Peaks indicated both crystalline and amorphous regions; detailed analysis shows five reflections at specified angles.

Discussion

  • Potential Applications:

    • Increased commercial interest, particularly for manufacturing high-value products like cosmetics, drug carriers, and bioplastics.

  • Comparison with Cellulose: Chitin is considered to have higher potential than cellulose in many fields due to its unique properties and renewable nature.

Conclusion

  • Chitin from Fish Scales: A viable renewable resource for various applications, particularly when converted into chitosan.

  • Sustainability: Emphasizes benefits of using natural chitin over petroleum derivatives.

Acknowledgments

  • Funding support from Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO). Special thanks to lab personnel for support.

References

  • A comprehensive list of references related to chitin extraction, analysis methods, and applications.