Mussel Shells, a Valuable Calcium Resource for the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

(1) Background: The mussel (Mytilus edulis, Mytilus galloprovincialis) is the most widespread lamellibranch mollusk, being fished on all coasts of the European seas. Mussels are also widely grown in Japan, China, and Spain, especially for food purposes. This paper shows an original technique for mussel shell processing for preparation of calcium salts, such as calcium levulinate. This process involves synthesis of calcium levulinate by treatment of Mytilus galloprovincialis shells with levulinic acid. The advantage of mussel shell utilization results in more straightforward qualitative composition. Thus, the weight of the mineral component lies with calcium carbonate, which can be used for extraction of pharmaceutical preparations. (2) Methods: Shell powder was first deproteinized by calcination, then the mineral part was treated with levulinic acid. The problem of shells generally resulting from the industrialization of marine molluscs creates enough shortcomings, if one only mentions storage and handling. One of the solutions proposed by us is the capitalization of calcium from shells in the pharmaceutical industry. (3) Results: The toxicity of calcium levulinate synthesized from the mussel shells was evaluated by the method known in the scientific literature as the Constantinescu phytobiological method (using wheat kernels, Triticum vulgare Mill). Acute toxicity of calcium levulinate was evaluated; the experiments showed the low toxicity of calcium levulinate. (4) Conclusion: The experimental results highlighted calcium as the predominant element in the composition of mussel shells, which strengthens the argument of capitalizing the shells as an important natural source of calcium.

Micro/Nano Structural Investigation and Characterization of Mussel Shell Waste in Thailand as a Feasible Bioresource of CaO

“…Ca is the major element detected in green mussel shells and mixed shell powder samples. The results are similar to the previously reported work that the major element in bivalves and mussel shells is Ca [ 28 , 29 ].…”

Black Sea Mussels Qualitative and Quantitative Chemical Analysis: Nutritional Benefits and Possible Risks through Consumption

“…There are scientific studies that highlight the possibility of capitalizing on shells, not just mussel meat [ 72 , 73 ]. As a result, the analysis of contaminants in the shells is also critical.…”

Evaluation of Calcium and Phosphorus content in Scallop Shells (Placuna placenta) and Blood Cockle Shells (Anadara granosa) from Banyuasin Waters, South Sumatra

“…The shell comprises macro minerals such as calcium carbonate, phosphorus, magnesium and others such as carbon (32.73%), Al 2 O 3 (14.13%), CuO (9.22%), CaO (34.68%), ZnO (5. 08%) and ZrO 2 (3.03%) and MoO 2 (1.13%) (Mititelu et al, 2021;District, 2022). The mineral content of shells could be used as raw materials in producing value-added compounds, one of which is for food, biomedical, medicines and health supplements (Terzioğlu et al, 2018).…”