Preparation of chitosan from Clanis bilineata larvae skin using enzymatic methods

Chitosan was prepared from Clanis bilineata larvae skin by heating, protein removal through flavourzyme hydrolysis, salt removal with HCl, NaOH deacetylation, washing, and drying. The optimal hydrolyzing conditions were pH 6.5 and 50 °C. The optimal deacetylation conditions were 55% NaOH (w/w), 120 °C, and 4 h. The resulting productʹs protein content, degree of deacetylation, and chitosan yield were 0.16, 93.25, and 31.37% (w/w), respectively. FTIR spectra of the product showed the main component to be chitosan and indicated that this method presents a promising means for chitosan preparation.