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Marine chitin valorization by ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents: Dissolution, green extraction and conversion.
Lihua Zhang1, Yunqi Li1, Rongli Li1
1Department of Polymer Materials and Engineering, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Technology Innovation Center for High-Efficiency Utilization of Bamboo-Based Biomass in Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550025, China.
Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer a sustainable method for extracting chitin from seafood waste. These solvents also enable the conversion of chitin into valuable chemicals like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF).
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Green Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Marine shell waste from seafood processing presents an environmental challenge, yet it is a rich source of chitin.
- Chitin extraction is difficult due to its resistant structure and strong interchain hydrogen bonding.
- Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are emerging as sustainable alternatives for chitin processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in using ILs and DESs for chitin dissolution and green extraction.
- To explore the fabrication of chitin-based materials using ILs.
- To highlight the conversion of chitin into high-value chemicals with ILs/DESs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on ILs and DESs for chitin extraction and processing.
- Analysis of chitin derivative material fabrication strategies in ILs.
- Examination of chitin conversion pathways to valuable chemicals.
Main Results:
- ILs and DESs facilitate efficient and green extraction of chitin from marine shell waste.
- Chitin-based derivative materials can be fabricated within ILs.
- Chitin can be converted into valuable N-containing compounds (e.g., 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran, 3A5AF) and nitrogen-free chemicals (e.g., 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 5-HMF; levulinic acid, LA) using ILs/DESs.
Conclusions:
- ILs and DESs show significant promise for sustainable chitin extraction and valorization.
- Further research into fundamental principles, challenges, and prospects is needed for optimizing chitin chemistry and conversion.
- This review provides a systematic understanding for researchers in chitin chemistry and conversion.
