FABRICATION OF CHITOSAN BIOPOLYMER FROM PEARL OYSTER SHELLS (Pinctada maxima) FOR MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Chitosan is one of the biopolymers that has recently been developed in medical field. biocompatible, biodegradable, and non-toxic, so it safe for human body. This study aimed to identify characteristics chitosan isolated from pearl oyster shells. obtained through three stages: deproteination, demineralization, deacetylation. Characterization done physically chemically including organoleptic test, yield calculation each step isolation, FTIR, XRD. Isolated identified deacetylation degree functional group with FTIR. While crystal structure was determined using The results showed powder a beige color final 7,06%. characterization FTIR shows synthesized shells have successfully formed compounds 81,50%. Another characteristic obtained; orthorhombic unit cells crystallinity 36,94%. Based on result, met several standards applications as biomaterial.