The optimization of extraction of carotenoids pigments from blue crab (Portunus pelagicus) and shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) wastes using ultrasound and microwave

Crab and shrimp wastes could be used as the cheapest raw materials for carotenoid pigments and also as an alternative to synthetic colors. The recovery of these valuable components from the aquatic waste could improve the aquatic processing industryand minimize the pollution potential of these wastes. In this research, Astaxanthin was used as thetarget extractionby using highperformance liquid chromatography to analyze the extended pigments under different ultrasound assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extractionconditions; namely, number of extraction times, theextraction duration, ultrasoundand microwave power andsolvent to waste ratio, inorderto understand the best condition of extraction. Theoptimal conditions forextracting crab wastes by UAE were at3times extraction with the solventtowaste ratio of15:1ml/g, and a power of 90W lasting for30second.Finally the astaxanthinyieldwas1407.12±0.58µg/gand for shrimp wastes were at 1 times extraction with thesolvent to waste ratio of 10:1 ml/g, and a power of150W lasting for150second that ultimately the astaxanthin yield was1257.43±0.02 µg/g. The optimal conditions for extracting crab wastes by MAE were at3times extraction withthe solvent towaste ratio of15:1ml/g, and a power of400W lasting for6second. Finally the astaxanthin yield was1082.07±0.25µg/g and for shrimp wastes were at 3 times extraction with the solvent to waste ratio of 15:1 ml/g, and a power of 600 W lasting for6second that ultimately the astaxanthin yield was1470.25±0.47µg/g. In comparison to the traditional method (soaking), the minimum amounts of carotenoid extraction from craband shrimp wastes were respectively95and11times, respectively.Therefore, the method of responsesurface methodology in optimizing the process condition is one ofthe effectivemethods for carotenoid extraction from crab and shrimp wastes.