Chitin and chitosan preparation from shrimp shells using optimized enzymatic deproteinization

► Optimization of enzymatic deproteinization for chitin extraction. ► A high level of enzymatic deproteinization 88 ± 5% was recorded. ► Chitin obtained was compared to chitin extracted by alkali deproteinization. ► The two chitins were converted to chitosans. ► Acetylation degrees and antibacterial activities of the two chitosans were compared.