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A Review on Advances in Extraction Technologies, Analytical Characterization, and Various Applications of Astaxanthin Derived from Seafood Waste

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Astaxanthin, a red-orange carotenoid (3,3′-dihydroxy-β, β-carotene-4,4′-dione) with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic effects, is a valuable bioactive compound sustainably extracted from discarded shrimp and crab shells. As seafood industries grow, these by-products pose environmental challenges yet represent an untapped astaxanthin source competing traditional microalgal origins. This review emphasizes astaxanthin’s abundance in crustacean shells and the critical role of handling and processing in preserving yield and integrity. Traditionally sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis, its commercial use is limited by high cultivation costs. Recently, shrimp and crab shells-common seafood waste-have emerged as sustainable, cost-effective alternatives. The review rigorously discusses extraction methods including ethanol-based, ultrasonic, supercritical CO2, enzymatic, and emerging green solvents, evaluating yields, sustainability, cost, and scalability. Ethanol-based ultrasound-assisted extraction achieved efficient, eco-friendly yields up to 239.96 µg g-1 in Procambarus clarkii shells. Silica gel chromatography enhanced purity to 85.1%, enabling use in functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Purification techniques employing advanced chromatographic and spectrophotometric assays convert crude extracts into pharmaceutical-grade astaxanthin. Applications span food systems-emulsions, microcapsules, antioxidant films-and cosmetics featuring liposomes, nanoemulsions, and cyclodextrins to optimize stability and bioavailability. Each technology balances bioactivity, shelf-life, and safety compliance. The review concludes by highlighting the imperative for safe, effective, and economically viable astaxanthin recovery from seafood waste, aiming to advance sustainable, high-value compound production for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors while mitigating environmental impact.

Source: International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management

DOI: 10.23910/1.2025.6627

Authors: Panchakarla Sedyaaw, Sravani Kalluri, Supriya D. Meshre, Varsha R. Bhatkar, Darwin Ratnaghosh Bhaladhare, Pranali Arun Kamble, Sanket Sunil Kawade, Shubham Janbandhu, Md. Shadab Alam

Institutions: Kamdhenu University, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Seaweed-derived Bioactive Compounds

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Life below water

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416986506

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