Abstract

Crustacean waste, consisting of shells and other inedible fractions, represents an underutilized source of chitin. Here, we explore developments in the crustacean waste chitin and chitosan extraction and utilization field, evaluating emerging food systems and biotechnological applications associated with this globally abundant waste stream. We consider how improving the efficiency and selectivity of chitin separation from wastes, re-designing its chemical structure to improve biotechnology-derived chitosan, its conversion into value-added chemicals, and new applications for chitin, such as the fabrication of advanced nanomaterials used in fully biobased electric devices can contribute towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Finally, we consider how gaps in the research and future opportunities could be developed to make optimal use of this important waste stream for food systems and beyond.