RESEARCH OF EXTRACTION ASTAXANTHIN FROM CRAB SHELLS (Scylla paramamosain) BY SUNFLOWER OIL

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a pigment of the carotenoid group with strong antioxidant activity and several important biological functions. During the production of chitin / chitosan from crab shells, we can extract and obtain high value astaxanthin, while minimizing environmental pollution. This study aimed to determine the appropriate temperature, time and solvent extraction rate of astaxanthin. Crab shells are soaked in sunflower oil with the ratio of sunflower oil / crab shells (1/1-5/1), soaked at (60-100oC), for (1-5 hours). The highest astaxanthin content obtained was 147.58μg / ml with the soybean oil / crab shell ratio 3/1, at 90oC and soaked for 5 hours.