Extraction and characterization of chitin and chitosan from Callinectes amnicola and Penaeus notialis shell wastes

In the current investigation, chitin and chitosan are extracted from Callinectes amnicola (crab) Penaeus notialis (shrimp) shell wastes using predetermined optimization conditions. The shrimp produces higher yield (26.08%), (16.93%) degree of deacetylation (DDA) 89.73% than yields (19.36%), (13.29%) DDA crab (84.20%). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) acid-base titration methods used to obtain % optimized chitosan. Insignificant deviations between values both obtained. experimental FTIR bands standards for refined in excellent agreement. physicochemical properties raw precursors, (raw refined/decolorized) equally evaluated. characterized analytical techniques. implication this study is drive produce underutilized C. P. Nigerian sources with a high DDA. study, better alternative source shell. Key words: Extraction, characterization, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, transmission microscopy.