One-step preparation of an antibacterial chitin/Zn composite from shrimp shells using urea-Zn(OAc)2·2H2O aqueous solution

A one-step method is proposed to prepare a chitin/Zn composite from shrimp shells using urea-Zn(OAc)2·2H2O aqueous solution as a decalcification, deproteinization, and Zn-introduction solvent. The chitin/Zn composite, which contained 34.7 wt% zinc, 1.2 wt% calcium carbonate and 1.6 wt% protein, was obtained under optimal conditions and exhibited an antibacterial effect.