Chitosan: One of the Hidden Benefits of Shrimp

Did you know that shrimp are used for battle field dressings in Iraq?  Of course that’s not entirely true, but the chitosan contained in shrimp shells is.  Chitosan is a structural element in the exoskeletons of some crustaceans, shrimp included.  The amino group contained in the chitosan is positively charged, which (to make a very long story very short) makes it a “bio-adhesive” and allows it to “stick” to negatively charged surfaces such as mucosal membranes, or the lining of our body’s cavities.  Hence, it can be used in bandages and rapidly clots blood. 

The uses of chitosan don’t stop there though.  It is also a fantastic natural fertilizer, defends against fungal infections, and is used to help purify liquids like water and, my favorite, beer.  It has even recently been developed into a polyurethane coating that actually heals itself.  Cars that heal their own scratches?  Shrimp rule.

So, what do shrimp use chitosan for, you may ask.  Well, chitosan plays an important role in their life cycle as well.  After shrimp molt (which happens on a regular basis), the chitosan forms a framework for the fusion of calcium carbonate, which is the main ingredient in the exoskeleton.  Calcium Carbonate, by the way, is present in any seawater.

Now, how much will this help you next time you’re done with a fresh, local shrimp dinner?  Probably not so much unless you are a chemist, but you can always put them around your plants to help fertilize and prevent a fungal infection.  Please, do not use shrimp shells instead of band-aids.