Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan from Prawn Shells and Study of Its Effects on Weight Loss of Myrica esculenta Fruits

Abstract

In this work, chitin and chitosan were obtained from prawn shell wastages by chemical treatment method. Structural characterization of chitin and chitosan by FTIR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and 13C NMR clearly showed the formation of chitosan from chitin. The physico-chemical properties of chitosan viz. molecular weight, moisture content, ash content and degree of deacetylation (DD) were analyzed. The optimum condition of deacetylation process to obtain chitosan from chitin was analyzed. The FTIR spectra showed the characteristic peaks corresponding to hydroxy, acetamido and amino functionalities of chitosan obtained from partial deacetylation of chitin and the solid state 13C NMR showed the formation of chitosan with characteristic peaks. XRD showed the shifting of crystallinity phases showing more crystallinity of chitin than chitosan. XPS spectrum of prepared chitin with the peaks corresponding to N, C and O binding energy was analogous to the standard. The effect of chitosan coating in extension of postharvest life of Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) fruits was investigated and chitosan coating was observed to have a potential to prolong storage life, control decay and weight loss.