Zinc has been investigated extensively as an anti-plaque and calculus agent. However, its interaction with enamel and its putative role in demineralisation and remineralisation are considerably less understood. In comparison to zinc, the interactions between fluoride and enamel have been extensively reported in the literature. The overall aim was to understand the effects of zinc ions [Zn2+] on enamel demineralisation (relevant to dental caries), whilst the effect of fluoride ions [F–] were similarly studied and used as a benchmark for the zinc investigations. The independent effects of varying concentrations of [Zn2+] and [F–] on enamel demineralisation kinetics were investigated during in vitro caries-simulating conditions. Human enamel blocks were exposed to series of in vitro demineralising solutions consisting of 0.1 M acetic acid adjusted to pH 4.0, with increasing concentrations of [Zn2+] or [F–]. Scanning Microradiography (SMR) obtained accurate, real-time quantitative measurements of changes in enamel mineral mass, as they were exposed to [Zn2+] or [F–]-containing acid solutions. Further, amongst other characterisation techniques, ultralow Energy Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (uleSIMS) and 19F MAS-NMR were used for determination of possible surface physical-chemical mechanisms of [Zn2+] and [F–] on the enamel dissolution processes respectively. This study confirmed that zinc reduces enamel demineralisation during in vitro caries-simulating conditions. An overall log-linear relationship was observed between the reduction in demineralisation and increasing [Zn2+] up to 3565 ppm. Fluoride showed this log-linear relationship up to 135 ppm, however, further reductions in demineralisation were minimal above this concentration. 19F MAS-NMR established that fluorite (CaF2) predominantly formed above 135 ppm [F–], whereas fluorohydroxyapatite (FHAp) largely formed below 135 ppm. uleSIMS indicated that zinc was largely concentrated at the near-surface region of enamel, which suggested that zinc acts predominantly at the enamel crystal surface in its mechanism of reducing demineralisation. Thus, at low concentrations, zinc appeared to act at PO43– sites on enamel surfaces, possibly via an adsorption-type process and was confirmed to form an α-hopeite-like phase, once surface adsorption was complete at higher concentrations. These results have significant implications on the understanding of the fundamental chemical aspects of zinc in toothpastes and demonstrate its therapeutic potential in preventing tooth mineral loss.

Enamel damage and demineralisation are common complications associated with fixed orthodontic appliances. In particular, the clean-up of adhesive remnants after debonding is a recognised cause of enamel damage. Furthermore, fixed attachments offer retentive areas for accumulation of cariogenic bacteria leading to enamel demineralisation and formation of white spot lesions (WSLs). Bioactive glasses may be used to remove adhesives, preserving the integrity of the enamel surface, while also having the potential to induce enamel remineralisation, although their efficacy in both respects has received little attention. A systematic review evaluating the remineralisation potential of bioactive glasses was first undertaken. No prospective clinical studies were identified; however, a range of in vitro studies with heterogeneous designs were identified, largely providing encouraging results. A series of glasses was prepared with molar compositions similar to 45S5 (SylcTM; proprietary bioactive glass) but with constant fluoride, reduced silica and increased sodium and phosphate contents. These glasses were characterised in several tests and the most promising selected. This was designed with hardness lower than that of enamel and higher than orthodontic adhesives. Its effectiveness in terms of removal of composite- and glass ionomer- based orthodontic adhesives was evaluated against SylcTM and a tungsten carbide (TC) bur. This novel glass was subsequently used for remineralisation of artificially-induced orthodontic WSLs on extracted human teeth. The novel glass propelled via the air-abrasion system selectively removed adhesives without inducing tangible physical enamel damage compared to SylcTM and the conventional TC bur. It also remineralised WSLs with surface roughness and intensity of light backscattering similar to sound enamel. In addition, mineral deposits were detected on remineralised enamel surfaces; these acted as a protective layer on the enamel surface and improved its hardness. This layer was rich in calcium, phosphate, and fluoride; 19F MAS-NMR, confirmed the formation of fluorapatite. This is particularly beneficial since fluorapatite is more chemically stable than hydroxyapatite and has more resistance to acid attack. Hence, a promising bioactive glass has been developed.

Mineral matter affect various coal properties as well as the yield and composition of products released during thermal processes. This necessitates investigation of the effect of the inherent minerals on the products derived during pyrolysis, as pyrolysis forms the basis of most coal utilisation processes. A real challenge in this research has been quantifying the changes seen and attributing these effects to specific minerals. Thus far it has been deemed impossible to predict product yields based on the mineral composition of the parent coal. Limited research regarding these aspects has been done on South African coal and the characterisation of pyrolysis products in previous studies was usually limited to one product phase. A novel approach was followed in this study and the challenges stated were effectively addressed. A vitrinite-rich South African coal from the Highveld coal field, was prepared to an undersize of 75 μm and divided into two fractions. HCl/HF acid washing reduced the ash yield from 14.0 wt% d.b. to 2.0 wt% d.b. (proximate analysis). Pyrolysis was carried out with the North-West University (NWU) Fischer Assay setup at 520, 750 and 900°C under N2 atmosphere and atmospheric pressure. The effect of acid washing and the addition of minerals on the derived pyrolysis products were evaluated. Acid washing led to lower water and tar yields, whilst the gas yields increased, and the char yields were unaffected. The higher gas yield can be related to increased porosity after mineral removal as revealed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) CO2 adsorption surface area analysis of the derived chars. Gas chromatography (GC) analyses of the derived pyrolysis gases indicated that the acid washed coal fraction (AW TWD) derived gas contained higher yields of H2, CH4, CO2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H4, C3H6 and C4s when compared to the gas derived from the raw coal fraction (TWD). The CO yield from the TWD coal was higher at all final pyrolysis temperatures. Differences in gas yields were related to increased tar cracking as well as lower hydrogen transfer and de-hydrogenation of the acid washed chars. Analyses of the tar fraction by means of simulated distillation (Simdis), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) –flame ionization detection (–FID) and size exclusion chromatography with ultraviolet (SEC-UV) analyses, indicated that the AW TWD derived tars were more aromatic in nature, containing more heavier boiling point components, which increased with increasing final pyrolysis temperature. The chars were characterised by proximate, ultimate, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform (DRIFT) and BET CO2 analyses. Addition of either 5 wt% calcite, dolomite, kaolinite, pyrite or quartz to the acid washed fraction (AW TWD) was done in order to determine the effect of these minerals on the pyrolysis products. These minerals were identified as the most prominent mineral phases in the Highveld coal used in this study, by XRD and quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) analyses. It was found that mineral activity decreased in the order calcite/dolomite>pyrite>kaolinite>>>quartz. Calcite and dolomite addition led to a decrease in tar yield, whilst the gas yields were increased. Markedly, increased water yields were also observed with the addition of calcite, dolomite and pyrite. Kaolinite addition led to increased tar, char and gas yields at 520°C, whilst the tar yield decreased at 750°C. Pyrite addition led to decreased tar and gas yields. Quartz addition had no noteworthy effect on pyrolysis yields and composition, except for a decrease in char yield at all final pyrolysis temperatures and an increased gas yield at 520°C. Regarding the composition of the pyrolysis products, the various minerals had adverse effects. Calcite and dolomite affected the composition of the gas, tar and char phases most significantly, showing definite catalytic activity. Tar producers should take note as presence of these minerals in the coal feedstock could have a significant effect on the tar yield and composition. Kaolinite and pyrite showed some catalytic activity under specific conditions. Model coal-mineral mixtures confirmed synergism between coal-mineral and mineral-mineral interactions. Although some correlation between the pyrolysis products derived from the model coal-mineral mixtures and that of TWD coal was observed, it was not possible to entirely mimic the behaviour of the coal prior to acid washing. Linear regression models were developed to predict the gas, tar and char yields (d.m.m.f.) with mineral composition and pyrolysis temperature as variables, resulting in R2 coefficients of 0.837, 0.785 and 0.846, respectively. Models for the prediction of H2, CO, CO2 and CH4 yields with mineral composition and pyrolysis temperature as variables resulting in R2 coefficients of 0.917, 0.702, 0.869 and 0.978, respectively. These models will serve as foundation for future work, and prove that it is feasible to develop models to predict pyrolysis yields based on mineral composition. Extending the study to coals of different rank can make the models universally applicable and deliver a valuable contribution in industry. / MIng (Chemical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Mineral matter affect various coal properties as well as the yield and composition of products released during thermal processes. This necessitates investigation of the effect of the inherent minerals on the products derived during pyrolysis, as pyrolysis forms the basis of most coal utilisation processes. A real challenge in this research has been quantifying the changes seen and attributing these effects to specific minerals. Thus far it has been deemed impossible to predict product yields based on the mineral composition of the parent coal. Limited research regarding these aspects has been done on South African coal and the characterisation of pyrolysis products in previous studies was usually limited to one product phase. A novel approach was followed in this study and the challenges stated were effectively addressed. A vitrinite-rich South African coal from the Highveld coal field, was prepared to an undersize of 75 μm and divided into two fractions. HCl/HF acid washing reduced the ash yield from 14.0 wt% d.b. to 2.0 wt% d.b. (proximate analysis). Pyrolysis was carried out with the North-West University (NWU) Fischer Assay setup at 520, 750 and 900°C under N2 atmosphere and atmospheric pressure. The effect of acid washing and the addition of minerals on the derived pyrolysis products were evaluated. Acid washing led to lower water and tar yields, whilst the gas yields increased, and the char yields were unaffected. The higher gas yield can be related to increased porosity after mineral removal as revealed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) CO2 adsorption surface area analysis of the derived chars. Gas chromatography (GC) analyses of the derived pyrolysis gases indicated that the acid washed coal fraction (AW TWD) derived gas contained higher yields of H2, CH4, CO2, C2H4, C2H6, C3H4, C3H6 and C4s when compared to the gas derived from the raw coal fraction (TWD). The CO yield from the TWD coal was higher at all final pyrolysis temperatures. Differences in gas yields were related to increased tar cracking as well as lower hydrogen transfer and de-hydrogenation of the acid washed chars. Analyses of the tar fraction by means of simulated distillation (Simdis), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) –flame ionization detection (–FID) and size exclusion chromatography with ultraviolet (SEC-UV) analyses, indicated that the AW TWD derived tars were more aromatic in nature, containing more heavier boiling point components, which increased with increasing final pyrolysis temperature. The chars were characterised by proximate, ultimate, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform (DRIFT) and BET CO2 analyses. Addition of either 5 wt% calcite, dolomite, kaolinite, pyrite or quartz to the acid washed fraction (AW TWD) was done in order to determine the effect of these minerals on the pyrolysis products. These minerals were identified as the most prominent mineral phases in the Highveld coal used in this study, by XRD and quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) analyses. It was found that mineral activity decreased in the order calcite/dolomite>pyrite>kaolinite>>>quartz. Calcite and dolomite addition led to a decrease in tar yield, whilst the gas yields were increased. Markedly, increased water yields were also observed with the addition of calcite, dolomite and pyrite. Kaolinite addition led to increased tar, char and gas yields at 520°C, whilst the tar yield decreased at 750°C. Pyrite addition led to decreased tar and gas yields. Quartz addition had no noteworthy effect on pyrolysis yields and composition, except for a decrease in char yield at all final pyrolysis temperatures and an increased gas yield at 520°C. Regarding the composition of the pyrolysis products, the various minerals had adverse effects. Calcite and dolomite affected the composition of the gas, tar and char phases most significantly, showing definite catalytic activity. Tar producers should take note as presence of these minerals in the coal feedstock could have a significant effect on the tar yield and composition. Kaolinite and pyrite showed some catalytic activity under specific conditions. Model coal-mineral mixtures confirmed synergism between coal-mineral and mineral-mineral interactions. Although some correlation between the pyrolysis products derived from the model coal-mineral mixtures and that of TWD coal was observed, it was not possible to entirely mimic the behaviour of the coal prior to acid washing. Linear regression models were developed to predict the gas, tar and char yields (d.m.m.f.) with mineral composition and pyrolysis temperature as variables, resulting in R2 coefficients of 0.837, 0.785 and 0.846, respectively. Models for the prediction of H2, CO, CO2 and CH4 yields with mineral composition and pyrolysis temperature as variables resulting in R2 coefficients of 0.917, 0.702, 0.869 and 0.978, respectively. These models will serve as foundation for future work, and prove that it is feasible to develop models to predict pyrolysis yields based on mineral composition. Extending the study to coals of different rank can make the models universally applicable and deliver a valuable contribution in industry. / MIng (Chemical Engineering), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

According to WHO, the addition of fluoride to milk could be considered as an alternative to water fluoridation for community-based caries prevention in childhood. School-based schemes in developing as well as industrial countries have demonstrated substantial benefits on oral health, but there are limited data available on the local events in the oral cavity after consumption of fluoridated milk. The general aim of the present investigations was to investigate the concentration of fluoride obtained in saliva and dental plaque after ingestion of Fmilk and to explore the possible effects on the oral ecology. A series of controlled studies were performed in vivo in which samples of saliva and dental plaque were collected and analysed with respect to fluoride content, microbial composition and acidogenicity. An in vitro study evaluated the effect on enamel lesion formation. In paper I, significantly increased concentrations of fluoride (p<0.05) were disclosed in saliva 15 minutes after drinking the fluoride-containing water or milk. In the plaque samples however, the F-increase remained significantly elevated still after 2 hours. The availability of fluoride from milk was generally somewhat lower than from water but the differences were not statistically significant in either plaque or saliva. In paper II, the fluoride concentration in plaque was further explored after a single intake or habitual consumption of fluoridated milk together with a regular meal. The results showed that cariesinhibiting levels of fluoride persisted up to 4 hours after intake. There were no significant differences between the single intakes when compared with repeated intakes. In paper III, the influence of fluoridated milk on the salivary microorganisms associated with dental caries was evaluated. No significant alterations of the microflora were found compared with baseline. There was a slight reduction in the proportion of mutans streptococci after 2 and 4 weeks during consumption with fluoridated milk but the difference failed to reach statistical significance. In paper IV it was demonstrated that fluoridated milk significantly (p<0.05) could counteract the lactic acid formation in dental plaque as initiated with sucrose. In paper V, laser fluorescence technique was used to monitor the effect of fluoridated milk on enamel lesion formation in an experimental caries model. The results reinforced previous research and showed a hampering effect of fluoridated milk. No side effects were reported in any of the investigations. The findings of this thesis substantiate that milk is a suitable vehicle for fluoride administration and contribute to the understanding and possible explanations for the anti-caries properties of fluoridated milk. The main conclusions were: a) intake of fluoridated milk resulted in significantly elevated fluoride levels in saliva within the first 15 minutes and up to 4 hours in dental plaque when fluoridate milk was consumed together with meal, b) no significant alteration of the salivary microflora was disclosed after habitual intake of fluoridated milk but a delayed carbohydrate-mediated lactic acid formation in suspensions of dental plaque could be demonstrated, c) the fluoride concentrations in plaque were not negatively influence by the food intake, and d) the in vitro findings advocated that fluoride added to milk reduced enamel lesion formation as assessed by laser fluorescence technique in an experimental caries model.According to WHO, the addition of fluoride to milk could be considered as an alternative to water fluoridation for community-based caries prevention in childhood. School-based schemes in developing as well as industrial countries have demonstrated substantial benefits on oral health, but there are limited data available on the local events in the oral cavity after consumption of fluoridated milk. The general aim of the present investigations was to investigate the concentration of fluoride obtained in saliva and dental plaque after ingestion of Fmilk and to explore the possible effects on the oral ecology. A series of controlled studies were performed in vivo in which samples of saliva and dental plaque were collected and analysed with respect to fluoride content, microbial composition and acidogenicity. An in vitro study evaluated the effect on enamel lesion formation. In paper I, significantly increased concentrations of fluoride (p<0.05) were disclosed in saliva 15 minutes after drinking the fluoride-containing water or milk. In the plaque samples however, the F-increase remained significantly elevated still after 2 hours. The availability of fluoride from milk was generally somewhat lower than from water but the differences were not statistically significant in either plaque or saliva. In paper II, the fluoride concentration in plaque was further explored after a single intake or habitual consumption of fluoridated milk together with a regular meal. The results showed that cariesinhibiting levels of fluoride persisted up to 4 hours after intake. There were no significant differences between the single intakes when compared with repeated intakes. In paper III, the influence of fluoridated milk on the salivary microorganisms associated with dental caries was evaluated. No significant alterations of the microflora were found compared with baseline. There was a slight reduction in the proportion of mutans streptococci after 2 and 4 weeks during consumption with fluoridated milk but the difference failed to reach statistical significance. In paper IV it was demonstrated that fluoridated milk significantly (p<0.05) could counteract the lactic acid formation in dental plaque as initiated with sucrose. In paper V, laser fluorescence technique was used to monitor the effect of fluoridated milk on enamel lesion formation in an experimental caries model. The results reinforced previous research and showed a hampering effect of fluoridated milk. No side effects were reported in any of the investigations. The findings of this thesis substantiate that milk is a suitable vehicle for fluoride administration and contribute to the understanding and possible explanations for the anti-caries properties of fluoridated milk. The main conclusions were: a) intake of fluoridated milk resulted in significantly elevated fluoride levels in saliva within the first 15 minutes and up to 4 hours in dental plaque when fluoridate milk was consumed together with meal, b) no significant alteration of the salivary microflora was disclosed after habitual intake of fluoridated milk but a delayed carbohydrate-mediated lactic acid formation in suspensions of dental plaque could be demonstrated, c) the fluoride concentrations in plaque were not negatively influence by the food intake, and d) the in vitro findings advocated that fluoride added to milk reduced enamel lesion formation as assessed by laser fluorescence technique in an experimental caries model.

Chitin in shrimp waste is tightly associated with proteins, lipids, pigments and mineral deposits. Therefore, these source materials have to be pretreated to remove these components. For a long time, chemical process has been used widely for extraction of chitin from shrimp waste. The chemical process however led to severe environmental damage and low chitin quality. The biological process has been shown promising to replace the harsh chemical process to reduce the environment impact. In our previous study chitin recovery from sterilized shrimp waste by Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 was investigated. However in large scale it is uneconomical to sterilize the shrimp waste. For that reason, in this study the microbial process using Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 for chitin recovery from unsterilezed shrimp waste has been investigated. Factors affecting the demineralization by this strain such as inoculum size, glucose concentration, initial pH, NaCl concentration and fermentation time were investigated. It was found that when unsterilized shrimp waste fermented with 20% L. plantarum inoculum, 12,5% glucose, and pH 6 for 4 days at 30oC, 99. 28% emineralization and 48.65% deproteination could be achieved. The ash and protein content of fermented residues were 1.33% and 22.46% respectively. Compared to sterilized condition the efficiency of demineralization and deproteination was similar. / Chitin trong phế liệu tôm liên kết chặt chẽ với protein, sắc tố và khoáng. Do vậy để thu được chitin cần có các bước tiền xử lí để loại các thành phần không phải chitin ra. Phương pháp hóa học được sử dụng rộng rãi từ lâu để tiền xử lí chitin. Tuy nhiên do phương pháp hóa học gây hại cho môi trường và tạo ra chitin chất lượng thấp, các nhà khoa học nỗ lực nghiên cứu tìm ra các phương pháp thay thế. Phương pháp sinh học được xem là rất khả quan để thay thế phương pháp hóa học. Trong nghiên cứu trước của chúng tôi, quá trình lên men phế liệu tôm thanh trùng bằng Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 đã được nghiên cứu. Tuy nhiên việc thanh trùng phế liệu tôm không kinh tế. Trong nghiên cứu này quá trình lên men phế liệu tôm không thanh trùng bằng Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 đã được khảo sát. Các yếu tố như tỷ lệ giống, nồng độ đường glucose, nồng độ NaCl, pH ban đầu của môi trường lên men và thời gian lên men đã được nghiên cứu. Kết quả cho thấy ở điều kiện 20% giống theo thể tích, 12,5% dịch đường glucose, 2% muối theo khối lượng, pH ban đầu 6, sau 5 ngày lên men lượng khoáng và protein trong nguyên liệu giảm tương ứng 99.28% và 48.65%. Lượng khoáng và protein còn lại tương ứng 1.33% và 22.46% (tính theo trọng lượng khô). So với phế liệu tôm không thanh trùng, hiệu quả loại khoáng và protein là tương đương.

Lors de ce travail de thèse nous avons étudié le comportement à long terme de différentes membranes échangeuses d'anions et membranes échangeuses de cations utilisées en électrodialyse conventionnelle pour l'industrie agroalimentaire. Certaines de ces membranes sont du type homogène et d'autres du type hétérogène. La méthodologie suivie tout au long de ce travail est basée sur la comparaison de nombreuses propriétés physico-chimiques, structurales et mécaniques d'échantillons neufs et d'autres vieillis dans un module d'électrodialyse industriel (in-situ) ou selon des protocoles que nous avons mis au point en laboratoire (ex-situ).L'étude du vieillissement in-situ des différentes membranes échangeuses d'ions utilisées dans le traitement des acides organiques et dans la déminéralisation du lactosérum nous a permis de confirmer que les membranes échangeuses d'anions sont beaucoup plus sensibles au vieillissement que les membranes échangeuses de cations. Par ailleurs, nous avons démontré que les changements dans les propriétés de transport, et donc dans les performances des membranes, dépendent en grande partie des modifications survenues sur leur microstructure. Nous avons apporté des améliorations au modèle micro-hétérogène pour permettre d'interpréter et de quantifier les conséquences du vieillissement des membranes échangeuses d'ions. L'effet des opérations de nettoyage sur le comportement à long terme des membranes échangeuse d'ions utilisées dans les opérations d'électrodialyse en agroalimentaire a fait l'objet de notre étude ex-situ. Ce vieillissement est effectué par des solutions acides, alcalines ou par cycles alternant les deux solutions, ou également par des solutions oxydantes de type eau de Javel. Nous avons démontré, entre autres, que les cycles de nettoyage acide-base effectués lors des opérations d'électrodialyse en agroalimentaire engendrent d'importantes dégradations sur les membranes échangeuses d'anions et que ce nettoyage est la cause essentielle du vieillissement des membranes échangeuses d'anions homogènes utilisées en électrodialyse pour la déminéralisation du lactosérum. Une confrontation entre les résultats obtenus par les vieillissements ex-situ et in-situ nous permet de confirmer leur similarité. Ainsi, nous pouvons proposer que, sous des conditions opératoires bien choisies, les études ex-situ sont bien adaptées pour la réalisation d'un vieillissement artificiel contrôlé / The long term behavior of anion and cation-exchange membranes used in conventional electrodialysis for food industry applications was investigated. Some of these membranes were homogeneous and some others were heterogeneous. The approach of this thesis is based upon the analysis of several physico-chemical, structural and mechanical properties of new samples and aged ones in electrodialysis stacks (in-situ) or under artificial ageing protocols at laboratory scale (ex-situ).The in-situ investigation of different ion-exchange membranes used in the purification of organic acids and in whey demineralization confirmed that anion-exchange membranes are more prone to degradation than the cation-exchange membranes. It was observed, as well, that changes in the transport properties, and subsequently in the membrane performance, are dependant of the modifications of the membrane microstructure. The microheterogeneous model was improved and applied for the interpretation and quantification of the ageing consequences on ion-exchange membranes. Assessment of the cleaning process effect on the long term behavior of ion-exchange membranes used in electrodialysis for the food industry applications was the objective of the ex-situ investigation. The ageing protocols were performed using acidic or alkaline solutions or by alternating both of them, as well as in oxidant bleach solutions. Among other findings, it was proven that the damage caused by the acid-base cleaning cycles provoked severe degradation to anion-exchange membranes. Furthermore this cleaning process was the main cause of ageing of homogeneous anion-exchange membranes in electrodialysis for whey demineralization. Comparisons between results obtained by in-situ and ex-situ ageing protocols confirmed their similarity. Therefore, it may be considered that under well-chosen operation conditions, ex-situ investigation is a well adapted method for the artificial ageing

Chitin in shrimp waste is tightly associated with proteins, lipids, pigments and mineral deposits. Therefore, these source materials have to be pretreated to remove these components. For a long time, chemical process has been used widely for extraction of chitin from shrimp waste. The chemical process however led to severe environmental damage and low chitin quality. The biological process has been shown promising to replace the harsh chemical process to reduce the environment impact. In our previous study chitin recovery from sterilized shrimp waste by Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 was investigated. However in large scale it is uneconomical to sterilize the shrimp waste. For that reason, in this study the microbial process using Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 for chitin recovery from unsterilezed shrimp waste has been investigated. Factors affecting the demineralization by this strain such as inoculum size, glucose concentration, initial pH, NaCl concentration and fermentation time were investigated. It was found that when unsterilized shrimp waste fermented with 20% L. plantarum inoculum, 12,5% glucose, and pH 6 for 4 days at 30oC, 99. 28% emineralization and 48.65% deproteination could be achieved. The ash and protein content of fermented residues were 1.33% and 22.46% respectively. Compared to sterilized condition the efficiency of demineralization and deproteination was similar. / Chitin trong phế liệu tôm liên kết chặt chẽ với protein, sắc tố và khoáng. Do vậy để thu được chitin cần có các bước tiền xử lí để loại các thành phần không phải chitin ra. Phương pháp hóa học được sử dụng rộng rãi từ lâu để tiền xử lí chitin. Tuy nhiên do phương pháp hóa học gây hại cho môi trường và tạo ra chitin chất lượng thấp, các nhà khoa học nỗ lực nghiên cứu tìm ra các phương pháp thay thế. Phương pháp sinh học được xem là rất khả quan để thay thế phương pháp hóa học. Trong nghiên cứu trước của chúng tôi, quá trình lên men phế liệu tôm thanh trùng bằng Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 đã được nghiên cứu. Tuy nhiên việc thanh trùng phế liệu tôm không kinh tế. Trong nghiên cứu này quá trình lên men phế liệu tôm không thanh trùng bằng Lactobacillus plantarum NCDN4 đã được khảo sát. Các yếu tố như tỷ lệ giống, nồng độ đường glucose, nồng độ NaCl, pH ban đầu của môi trường lên men và thời gian lên men đã được nghiên cứu. Kết quả cho thấy ở điều kiện 20% giống theo thể tích, 12,5% dịch đường glucose, 2% muối theo khối lượng, pH ban đầu 6, sau 5 ngày lên men lượng khoáng và protein trong nguyên liệu giảm tương ứng 99.28% và 48.65%. Lượng khoáng và protein còn lại tương ứng 1.33% và 22.46% (tính theo trọng lượng khô). So với phế liệu tôm không thanh trùng, hiệu quả loại khoáng và protein là tương đương.