Chitin was recovered through enzymatic deproteinization of the shrimp processing by-products. Different microbial and fish viscera proteases were tested for their deproteinization efficiency. High levels of protein removal of about 77±3% and 78±2% were recorded using Bacillus mojavensis A21 and Balistes capriscus proteases, respectively, after 3h of hydrolysis at 45°C using an enzyme/substrate ratio of 20U/mg. Therefore, these two crude proteases were used separately for chitin extraction and then chitosan preparation by N-deacetylation. Chitin and chitosan samples were then characterized by 13 Cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS)-NMR spectroscopy and compared to samples prepared through chemical deproteinization. All chitins and chitosans showed identical spectra. Chitosans prepared through enzymatic deproteinization have practically the same acetylation degree but higher molecular weights compared to that obtained through chemical process. Antimicobial, antioxidant and antitumoral activitities of chitosan-M obtained by treatment with A21 proteases and chitosan-C obtained by alkaline treatment were investigated. Results showed that both chitosans inhibited the growth of most Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi tested. Furthermore, both chitosans exhibited antioxidant and antitumor activities which was dependent on the molecular weight.
Keywords: Antimicrobial; Antioxidant; Antitumor; Chitin; Chitosan.
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