Extraction of carotenoprotein from shrimp head using both inorganic and organic acids

Carotenoprotein was extracted by a hydrolysis method using both inorganic and organic acids. Shrimp heads were firstly hydrolyzed by adding a 0.2% (w/v) hydrochloric acid solution at room temperature for an hour following by hydrolyzing with a 0.4% (v/w) formic acid solution for another 2 h at the same temperature. The obtained carotenoprotein consisted of high contents of protein (57.8 wt.%) and carotenoids (473.9 ppm). This method is facile and efficient for the extraction of carotenoprotein from other shrimp and crab wastes on a large scale.