4.2. Chitin Extraction

Demineralisation: 1000 mL of 1% HCl was added to 100 g of the obtained material and stirred at 20 °C for 2 h. The solid residue was separated through a glass filter. It was washed with distilled water to neutral pH and lyophilised afterwards. Then, 49.2 g of product was obtained (yield = 49%). The dried demineralised matter was sieved (pore diameter = 2 mm) and weighed. The product yield was equal to 45%.

Deproteinisation and defatting: 320 mL of 30% (w/w) NaOH was added to 24 g of demineralised biomass, left at room temperature for 30 min, and then transferred to a 100 °C water bath and kept for 2 h with occasional stirring. Chitin was separated through a glass filter, washed with distilled water until neutral pH, and lyophilised. Finally, 4.8 g of product was obtained (yield = 20%).