Published in PLOS One on 2026-05-28, this study is presented as an attributed evidence briefing. The excerpts below are the original researchers’ words, reproduced under their Creative Commons Attribution licence. Health Signal has selected the abstract and, where needed, opening background paragraphs; the complete methods, results, limitations and references remain in the linked paper.
Original authors: Adebowale E. Aderogba, Olukemi K. Amodu, Oluwayemi Joshua Bamikole, Babajide A. Adedeji, Miles-Dei B. Olufeagba
Source: PLOS One • DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0349133
Read the complete primary study ↗ · Creative Commons Attribution licence
From the researchers
Abstract
Chitosan is a natural biopolymer derived from the deacetylation of chitin, a structural polysaccharide abundantly found in the shells and exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, and other arthropods. Its unique physicochemical properties have led to widespread applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial sectors. In Nigeria, abundant freshwater crustaceans and insects remain underutilized as sources of chitosan. This study evaluated the potential of West African river prawns (Macrobrachium vollenhovenii) and American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) as local chitosan sources using a modified chemical extraction process. Exoskeletal materials were pretreated, demineralized, deproteinized, and subjected to autoclave assisted alkaline deacetylation (50% NaOH, 121 °C, 15 psi, 30 min). Chitin yields were 29.53% for prawns and 17.78% for cockroaches, while chitosan yields were 28.13% and 11.56%, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed characteristic functional groups of chitosan in both sources. The degree of deacetylation (DD) was 68.79% for prawn-derived chitosan and 81.21% for cockroach-derived chitosan, indicating effective conversion of N-acetyl. D-glucosamine to D-glucosamine units. These findings demonstrate that both species are viable alternative sources for chitosan production, with pressurized deacetylation enhancing yield and polymer quality. This approach provides a scalable, reproducible strategy for sustainable chitosan extraction in Nigeria, supporting potential applications in biotechnology, medicine, and industry.
Introduction
Chitosan is a natural biopolymer, composed of β-(1–4)-linked D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D glucosamine units [1]. It is derived from the deacetylation of chitin, a structural polysaccharide abundantly present in the exoskeletons of crustaceans, insects, fungi and other organisms [2,3]. Owing to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, chitosan has garnered significant attention globally. The demand for chitosan is increasing with its market value projected to reach $15.1 billion by 2030 [4], reflecting expanding applications, including biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, food technology, agriculture, water purification, textile engineering, and environmental protection [5–7].
Industrial production of chitosan traditionally relies on utilising crustacean shell waste, employing sequential chemical treatments involving: demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation [8, 9]. Among these steps, deacetylation represents the most time-intensive and rate-limiting step, with conventional alkaline processes typically requiring prolonged reaction times ranging from 6 to over 24 hours to achieve high degrees of deacetylation (DD) and acceptable purity [10]. These extended processing durations increase energy consumption, increase production costs, and limit scalability. Therefore, the development of alternative deacetylation strategies capable of reducing reaction time while maintaining or improving chitosan yield and quality remains a critical objective in chitosan processing research.
Beyond process-related limitation, reliance on marine crustaceans is constrained by the seasonality of harvesting cycles and geographical variability [11], presenting freshwater species and insects as promising alternative sources owing to their local availability, rapid biomass regeneration, and favourable chitin composition [12,13]. Recent studies have increasingly explored insect-derived chitin.
Reading this evidence
Use the full paper to check the study design, participant selection, comparator and outcome definitions before drawing a practical conclusion. An association does not by itself show cause and effect. A reported performance measure needs its denominator and uncertainty. A finding from a particular facility, sample or time period should retain that scope when it is discussed elsewhere.
This briefing makes the source accessible within the wider research & evidence desk. It does not assess an individual patient or certify a product. When considering relevance to another health system, examine the original authors’ account of context and limitations, then seek local implementation evidence. The related reporting below provides other studies to read alongside this one; it is a topic connection, rather than a claim that their results are directly comparable.
© 2026 Adebowale E. Aderogba, Olukemi K. Amodu, Oluwayemi Joshua Bamikole, Babajide A. Adedeji, Miles-Dei B. Olufeagba. Excerpts reproduced under CC BY. Selection, formatting and contextual notes by Health Signal. The researchers are the authors of the source study, not members of Health Signal’s staff.
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