Potential of Chitosan from Shrimp Waste for Treating Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria in Skin Wound

Shrimp or crustacean waste on the skin, head, and feet has not been maximally utilized. Shrimp or crustacean waste can be processed into chitin or chitosan which can provide high added value. Chitosan is one ingredient that can be used to make skin ointments. One of the bacteria that is harmful to the skin during a wound is Staphylococcus aureus. Hence, there is a need to have a skin ointment that can inhibit these bacteria. The current study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of chitosan in the ointment. Moreover, the current study planned to determine the optimum inhibitory concentration of chitosan in the ointment against Staphylococcus aureus and evaluate the physical properties of ointments. The methods used in the current study were the pH determination, organoleptic test, homogeneity test, and antibacterial activity test to examine chitosan against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that chitosan in ointment had a weak antibacterial activity with a value of < 5 mm inhibition zone. Chitosan with a concentration of 0.2% in ointment fulfilled the requirements of a good ointment. Its white colour as the typical colour of chitosan showed the characteristic odour of chitosan and a semi-solid form. Chitosan in the ointment has antibacterial activity that can inhibit Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.