Determination of astaxanthin and astaxanthin esters in three samples of shrimp waste () by high performance liquid chromatography coupled photo-diode array and mass spectrometry detection.

The present study aimed to identify the content of astaxanthin and its esterified forms using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry detection in three samples of shrimp waste. The analyses revealed twenty-one astaxanthin derivatives, including astaxanthin in free form, across all three extracts with the highest number of derivatives observed in the head extract. The shell extract had a lower content of astaxanthin and its esterified forms, with monoesterified astaxanthins being the major components, with contents ranging from 0.5-1 mg g. On the other hand, in both global waste and head extracts, astaxanthin diesters were found to be the dominant bioactive compounds, with contents ranging from 0.7-5.2 mg g and 10.2-18.2 mg g, respectively. Notably, the astaxanthin content extracted from head was significantly higher compared to other extracts, indicating its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds.