Chitin and chitosan derived from crustacean waste valorization streams can support food systems and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Hamid Amiri, Mortaza Aghbashlo, Minaxi Sharma, James Gaffey, Louise Manning, Seyed Masoud Moosavi Basri, John F. Kennedy, Vijai Kumar Gupta, Meisam Tabatabaei

Research output: Journal PublicationArticlepeer-review

103 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Crustacean waste, consisting of shells and other inedible fractions, represents an underutilized source of chitin. Here, we explore developments in the field of crustacean-waste-derived chitin and chitosan extraction and utilization, evaluating emerging food systems and biotechnological applications associated with this globally abundant waste stream. We consider how improving the efficiency and selectivity of chitin separation from wastes, redesigning its chemical structure to improve biotechnology-derived chitosan, converting it into value-added chemicals, and developing new applications for chitin (such as the fabrication of advanced nanomaterials used in fully biobased electric devices) can contribute towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, we consider how gaps in the research could be filled and future opportunities could be developed to make optimal use of this important waste stream for food systems and beyond.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)822-828
Number of pages7
JournalNature Food
Volume3
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Agronomy and Crop Science

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