Pilado Add Value
Abstract/Aim
In the west region of Portugal, the swimming crab is frequently captured as bycatch in fish purse seine vessels, being subsequently rejected given its extremely low economic value. To increase its economic value, this project aims to evaluate the commercial exploitation viability of this resource for marine biopolymer production. For that, its exoskeleton biochemical composition was determined and the yield (extraction/production) of structural biopolymers (chitin/chitosan) was evaluated. Also the definition of optimal methodological procedures was addressed. The transfer of knowledge and technology for biotechnology-based SMES will be a contribution for the sustainable development of fisheries communities.
Keywords
Pilado crab; chitin/chitosan; adding value; biotechnology
Partners
University of Aveiro, CERAMED-ALTAKITIN
Coordinator
MARE-Polytechnic of Leiria: Sérgio Leandro – sleandro@ipleiria.pt
Funding
26,842.00€ | PROMAR – GAC Oeste // Duration 2011-2013