ABSTRACT
This study investigated the antimicrobial potential of chitin and chitosan extracted from snail and periwinkle shells, employing the zone of inhibition technique. Chitin and chitosan were obtained through a meticulous four-step extraction process, involving demineralization, protein removal, deacetylation and decolorization. Notably, chitin isolation required demineralization and protein removal using 1.0% NHCL and 3% NaOH solutions. Three pathogenic microbes, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas, were cultured for the antimicrobial assay. The results revealed significant variations in the effectiveness of chitin and chitosan from snail and periwinkle shells against the tested microorganisms. Chitosan from periwinkle shells exhibited robust antimicrobial activity, outperforming controls and displaying particular efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Chitosan from snail shells also demonstrated substantial antimicrobial potential, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. In contrast, chitin from both sources showed limited antimicrobial activity, suggesting its potential as an adjunct to chitosan rather than a standalone antimicrobial agent. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing extraction processes and further research into the potential applications of chitin and chitosan in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and food packaging. Overall, this investigation sheds light on the promising antimicrobial properties of chitin and chitosan from snail and periwinkle shells, highlighting their potential for sustainable and natural alternatives in the fight against microbial threats.
