Dr. Siddhartha Pati, an Odisha-based scientist and founder of the startup NatNov Bioscience, has been granted an Indian patent for an eco-friendly process that converts discarded shrimp shells into valuable bioproducts, transforming environmental waste into wealth.
The patented technology focuses on extracting chitosan, a highly versatile biopolymer derived from the chitin in crustacean shells. Chitosan’s unique properties, including biodegradability and biocompatibility, make it a prized raw material across various high-value sectors.
The massive volume of shells and heads generated by India’s seafood processing industry has traditionally been a source of severe environmental pollution, often dumped into landfills or the sea. Dr. Pati’s innovation addresses this challenge directly, aligning with the government’s ‘Circular Economy’ and ‘Waste to Wealth’ missions.
“What was once considered an environmental burden is now being transformed into valuable raw materials for the global biomedical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial sectors,” stated Dr. Pati.
The chitosan and chitin extracted through this sustainable process have a wide range of applications, including:
- Pharmaceuticals: Used for capsule coatings for tablets, drug delivery systems, and materials for wound dressings and tissue scaffolds.
- Agriculture: Converted into biostimulants and bio-pesticides to boost crop immunity and yield.
- Industry: Used in bioplastics as a sustainable alternative to synthetic packaging materials, as well as for water purification.
The startup, operating from Balasore, is reportedly exporting its products to several international markets, positioning India as a growing hub for sustainable, marine-derived biopolymers. Dr. Pati’s patent is viewed as a significant step toward developing eco-friendly solutions for both the environment and critical industries.
