Скачать или смотреть Chitin from Crab Shell (Part 2/2) | Extraction Process

This is Part 2 of our 2-part series on how to extract fungal chitin from 200 g of crab shells (Potunus spp.).

In this second video, we take you through the complete step-by-step process of extracting chitin from crab shells, with special emphasis on handling larger sample volumes—a task that often presents unique challenges compared to small-scale laboratory procedures. What distinguishes this video is the depth of practical explanation it provides, making it particularly valuable for researchers who are planning to scale up chitin extraction or who seek clear, hands-on guidance when working with bulk crustacean waste materials. We also believe it will be beneficial for those involved in biopolymer extraction, biomass valorization, or marine waste processing.

Our crab shell extraction process can be broadly divided into four major stages. The first is acid demineralization, which removes calcium carbonate and other minerals from the exoskeleton. This is followed by hot water extraction, a step that helps to eliminate soluble impurities and residual pigments. The third stage is alkali deproteinization, where proteins are broken down and removed, leaving behind a purified chitin matrix. Finally, a neutralization step ensures that the recovered chitin is free from residual acids or alkalis and ready for subsequent drying or conversion into chitosan.

While these steps may appear straightforward in theory, the practical aspects often require careful control of reaction time, temperature, and agitation to achieve consistent results. That’s why we take the time to demonstrate each step clearly and thoroughly—because what seems simple on paper can be far more intricate in practice.

Crab shell chitin forms the structural backbone of crustacean exoskeletons, providing an exceptional balance of strength, stiffness, and lightweight resilience. Its recovery not only adds value to seafood by-products but also enables the development of biodegradable materials, sustainable packaging, biomedical scaffolds, and nanocomposites.

0:00 Preparing Acid Solution
3:50 Acid Demineralization of Crab Shells
11:53 Acid Filtration & Neutralization
18:56 Hot Water Extraction
28:53 Filtering Hot Water Extraction
31:35 Preparing Alkaline Solution
33:56 Alkaline Deproteinization
36:35 Alkaline Filtration & Neutralization
44:04 Transfering Chitin Extract for Storage
45:34 Measuring Chitin Extract Dry Weight
48:56 Conclusion

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