Utilization of Green Mussel Shells Waste of Perna viridis for Bioproduction of Chitin

Abstract

Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose which is used in the exoskeleton preparation of various arthropods, bivalves, insects, and fungi. The source of chitin as a raw material is very abundant in Indonesia, especially from waste shells which are not commercially useful. The purpose of this study was to perform the chitin extraction procedure from the green shells of Perna viridis and to characterize the chitin content qualitatively. The results showed that the chitin extract had a yield weight of 40.8% with a moisture content of 7.38%. After qualitative screening and characterization of the active components, data were obtained, namely P. viridis chitin extract containing saponins and benzene ringed amino acids (tyrosine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan).