Efficient and green extraction of chitin from mantis shrimp shell using deep eutectic solvents at room temperature

The exoskeleton of mantis shrimp (MS) is rich in chitin, making it an essential source of this biopolymer with potential applications. This study represents the first application of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) system, composed of lactic acid and triethylbenzylammonium chloride, for the extraction of chitin from mantis shrimp shells, achieving a balance between high-purity and high molecular weight (Mw) while ensuring solvent recyclability. Under optimized conditions, the extracted chitin achieved a purity of 95.65%, with the Mw approximately 2.5 times higher than that obtained using conventional acid-base methods. Remarkably, the chitin purity remained at 94.84% after three cycles of DESs. This study provides a new perspective for a green route of DESs for highly efficient extract of chitin from MS shells and addresses critical challenges in marine waste valorization.