Utilization of Deep Eutectic Solvent and Ethanol for the Extraction of Oil and Astaxanthin From Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) Shells

Abstract

The black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) shell, a by-product of shrimp processing, is a valuable natural source of oil and astaxanthin (AXT). However, extracting these from the shell is difficult due to its tough cell walls. This study examined the use of deep eutectic systems (DESs) to extract oil and AXT from black tiger shrimp shells. Three DESs (choline chloride/glycerol, choline chloride/citric acid, and choline chloride/lactic acid) were tested, and their extraction efficiencies were compared with those of traditional solvents (hexane, ethanol, and acetone). Results indicated that the extraction efficiency of oil and AXT from DESs was lower than that of traditional solvents, but when ethanol was added to the DES as a co-solvent, it significantly improved the yield. Specifically, combining choline chloride/lactic acid with 45% ethanol resulted in the highest concentrations of oil (6.42/100 g) and AXT (39.10 μg/g), surpassing ethanol (5.12/100 g and 31.56 μg/g) or hexane (5.62/100 g and 33.47 μg/g), and acetone (4.46/100 g and 28.59 μg/g). The shrimp extracts were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (i.e., linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, EPA, and DHA) and AXT with potent antioxidant properties.