Astaxanthin Extraction From Shrimp Waste by Lactic Fermentation and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of the Carotenoprotein Complex

Abstract

Natural carotenoids are an alternative to synthetic orange-red pigments. They are present in crustaceans as a protein-pigment complex. In order to extract this highly unstable pigment, crustacean waste must be stabilized; lactic fermentation is a simple and environmentally friendly method to achieve this goal. Shrimp wastes were inoculated with Lactobacillus bacterial cultures. Carotenoids were then extracted with an organic solvent system. Protein-pigment splitting was carried out using a mixture of 4 commercial enzymes; and the protein was separated from the pigment by ultrafiltration. Electrophoretograms showed that the pigment was attached to a 265-kDa protein. Splitting the protein-pigment complex allows studies on pigment absorption, stability and application.

Isolation and characterisation of carotenoproteins from deep-water pink shrimp processing waste

“…The small peaks recorded at the end of the profile presumably corresponded to oxidized forms of astaxanthin. In fact, similar results (presence of small peaks) were reported by Armenta-Lopez et al [37].…”

Chitin extraction from shrimp shell waste using Bacillus bacteria

“…As a substitute to the chemical and enzymatic processes, fermentation, combining deproteinization and demineralization, has been evaluated as an eco-friendly and positive procedure [14]. Furthermore, fermentation represents a cheap technique which will stabilize and retain the nutritional quality of by-products [15].…”

Perspectives on the Utilization of Aquaculture Coproduct in Europe and Asia: Prospects for Value Addition and Improved Resource Efficiency

“…Extraction of astaxanthin from shrimp by-products can be combined with chitosan production (Armenta-Lopez et al 2002) and some studies have shown that acids, commonly used in the chitosan industry, may increase the yield of astaxanthin because of reduced oxidation. However excessively aggressive acid and alkali treatments can Capsules of "natural" astaxanthin containing around 4mg per capsule from H. pluvialis commonly sell for around US$20 for 60 on the internet, therefore there is commercial potential for a natural substance from a number of aquaculture sources including shrimp and salmon by-product (Pacheco et al 2009;Synowiecki and Al-Khateeb 2000).…”