Microwave-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of chitin from molted shrimp shells

This study investigates a green process for extracting chitin from molted shells of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using deep eutectic solvents combined with microwave treatment. Experimental results identify a choline chloride–urea DES system at a 1:2 molar ratio with 30% added water as optimal for deproteinization. Microwave treatment at 660 W for 150 seconds increases chitin purity to 94.92%, reduces residual protein content to 4.06%, and achieves a chitin recovery yield of 19.68%. The findings demonstrate that microwave-assisted DES processing can substantially shorten treatment time and reduce energy consumption while maintaining high purification efficiency. This approach represents a promising environmentally friendly alternative to conventional acid–alkali extraction and supports the sustainable valorization of shrimp aquaculture by-products.