Abstract:
In this study, chitosan and carotenoids were extracted from Scylla olivicea and Cherax
quadricarinatus respectively. Carotenoid content in each species was determined by
calculation in terms of astaxanthin which extracted from oil base method. The
physicochemical property of chitosan determined includes moisture, ash, degree of
deacetylation, colour, water and fat binding capacities. All the characteristics determined
were compared with commercial chitosan. The degree of deacetylation and also water and
fat binding capacities were determined by using direct titration and centrifuge
respectively. The yield of carotenoid obtained from Cherax quadricarinatus and Scylla
olivicea were 34.58µg/g and 30.88µg/g respectively. Meanwhile, the yield of chitosan
obtained from Scylla olivicea was 44.57 % and 26.33% from Cherax quadricarinatus.
The moisture and ash content of chitosan for Cherax quadricarinatus and Scylla olivicea
were 7.20% and 56.46%; 3.53% and 47.95% respectively compared to commercial which
was 2.25% moisture and 62.25% ash. Degree of deacetylation for Scylla olivicea and
Cherax quadricarinatus was 53.42% and 53.45% respectively compared to the
commercial which was 58.42%.
