This study provides a complete evaluation of a sustainable zero-waste process for the recovery of added value biomaterials from the abundant shrimp shell biomass waste using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). The process parameters for the fractionation of α-chitin, minerals, and protein was followed using on-line measurements. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis of isolated chitin, minerals, and solvent waste streams was examined. The dominant fractionation mechanisms are explained through the analysis of the liquid and solid fractions. Four of the most promising, and commercially available, NADES consisting of mixtures of Choline Chloride-Lactic Acid (CCLA), Choline Chloride-Malonic Acid (CCMA), Choline Chloride-Urea (CCUR), and Choline Chloride-Citric Acid (CCCA), were tested. The highest chitin extraction yield obtained was < 90% using CCLA, leading to purity higher than 98%. Moreover, it is possible to recycle this particular NADES several times, while having no loss in the shrimp shell fractionation capability.
chitin biopolymer isolation and characterization; natural deep eutectic solvents; green processsing; zero-waste biorefinery process
