Extraction and Characterization of Chitosan from Snail Shells (Achatina fulica)

S.  Tertsegha; P.I.  Akubor; A.A.  Iordekighir; K.  Christopher; O.O.  Okike

doi:10.18502/jfqhc.11.3.16590

S. Tertsegha Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Mkar, Benue State.
P.I. Akubor Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Mkar, Benue State.
A.A. Iordekighir Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Mile 4, Ikwere Road, Rumueme, P.M.B. 5063, Port -Harcourt, Nigeria
K. Christopher Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, 2 Batawa Close, Hadeja Road, Kano, Nigeria.
O.O. Okike Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Mile 4, Ikwere Road, Rumueme, P.M.B. 5063, Port -Harcourt, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jfqhc.11.3.16590

Keywords: Lissachatina fulica, Chitin, Chitosan, Snails, Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform, Infrared

Abstract

Background: Chitosan due to biodegradable and non-toxic characteristics has versatile applications. Extraction and characterization of Chitosan from Snail Shells In January, 2023 Achatina fulica was performed.

Methods: A chemical process involving demineralization and deproteinization was utilized to extract 2000g Chitin from Achatina fulica shells. To produce chitosan, the chitin was subjected to deacetylation. The chitosan was subsequently characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The physicochemical charactristics and mineral compositionswere investigated and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0.

Results: The chitosan obtained from the process was 75%. It exhibited a Degree Of Deacetylation of 82.31%, a molecular weight of 2.65×10⁵ g/mol, an intrinsic viscosity of 1,007.2 mg/g, and a solubility of 70%. The pH value of chitosan in acetic acid solution was recorded at 6.38, with a solubility of 70%. The proximate analysis revealed moisture, ash, fat, protein, crude fiber, and carbohydrate contents of 0.32, 0.72, 2.01, 0.13, 0.15, and 96.67%, respectively.The mineral analysis revealed sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc concentrations of 32.10, 21.80, 721, 288.60, 123.75, 41.77, and 8.48 mg/g, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis identified the region characterized by the presence of calcite and calcium phosphate, indicating residual minerals in the extracted chitosan, which contribute to its crystalline structure. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy demonstrated functional groups such as amino and hydroxyl groups, whereas Scanning Electron Microscopy reported an irregular particle size with rough surfaces and a microfibrillar crystalline structure.

Conclusion: The current investigation has the potential to promote the sustainable use of a locally abundant yet underutilized resource, assisting in waste reduction and creation of innovative bioactive materials which could be applied in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.