Extraction and Characterization of Astaxanthin from Prawn Shell Waste

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a colored, lipid soluble pigment which is an effective antioxidant.
Natural Astaxanthin from prawn shell waste could be a better alternative for synthetic
orange red pigment. In India, 3 percent of exports are marine products. The wastes produced
from marine processing industries possess a great environmental threat which can be
recycled into a better alternative product. These wastes are a larger source of natural
carotenoids that has varied pharmaceutical potentials. Astaxanthin finds its application in
food additive and pharmacology mainly in cosmetology and anti-diabetic activity. It was
extracted from shell waste by using organic solvent extraction method. Astaxanthin yield
obtained using acetone solvent extraction was 12.5mg/g. The extracted Astaxanthin was
confirmed using TLC which proved the presence of astaxanthin. FTIR studies revealed the
presence of the functional groups. NMR indicated the protons present in the molecule. The
antioxidant studies revealed the perfect antioxidant activity of astaxnthin. Hence this studies
shows that astaxanthin from shrimp had better alpha amylase inhibition activity.