Chitosan Emerita sp. as a Preservative Alternative in Mugil cephalus

Abstract

Emerita sp. can be processed into chitosan as an alternative to fish preservatives. The purpose of this study was to determine chitosan from Emerita sp. in inhibiting the growth of decomposing microorganisms in fish so it can be used as alternative preservatives. Emerita sp. was obtained from the coast of Widarapayung, Cilacap. Characteristics of chitosan from Emerita sp. was analyzed through FTIR profileand proximate content. The activity of chitosan from Emerita sp. as a fish preservative, analyzed through organoleptic and total plate count (TPC) test. Bluespot mullet fish was soaked in chitosan from Emerita sp. at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2%. Soaking process took was 15, 30 and 60 minutes. Observations on fish decay was conducted at the hour of 0, 10, 15 and 24. Control used 1% of acetic acid with soaking process for 15 minutes. The results of the study showed that the degrees of deacetylization (DD) chitosan from Emerita sp. is 92.5%. The best results of organoleptic were shown on 0.5% chitosan concentration with 60 minutes soaked time compared to controls. TPC shows fish with the soaking process in chitosan Emerita sp. 2% for 60 minutes, having a lower number of bacteria (2,7x106) than the control (3,2 x106). Based on the results of the TPC and organoleptic test, chitosan Emerita sp. has activity inhibiting the growth of microorganisms so that it can be used as an alternative preservative.