ASTAXANTHIN FROM SHRIMP SHELL WASTE
The aim of the present study was to propose a simple and efficient method for the isolation of high-value pigment,
astaxanthin, from a low-value raw material, shrimp waste. Hexane was used as extraction solvent. The concentration
obtained was 43.44 μg/g. Mobile phase for TLC was acetone: hexane in the ratio 3:7 (v/v). The sample was
collected from the processing plants, Cochin, Kerala, India. The shrimp waste was transported to the laboratory in a
sterile container filled with ice. The organism was identified with the styles marketed under the trade name “red
ring”. The wastes generated from the shrimp are cephalothorax, abdominal shell and tail portion. Adhering meat
from the cephalothorax was removed and the waste was washed under running water and dried under shade. They
were packed in polyethylene bags and stored at -20°C until use. A second set of sample was stored wet, after
removing the adhering meat, was packed in polythene covers and stored at -20°C.