Utilization of Hong Kong caterpillar shell chitosan (Tenebrio molitor L.) as a preservative material for pineapple juice (Ananas comosus L.)

The larval shell of Tenebrio molitor L. contains chitin for chitosan. The method used in this study is an experimental method with the object of research being pineapple juice which is given additional chitosan with a concentration of 0% (control); 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2% and 0.5% sodium benzoate. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the value of the degree of deacetylation produced from the chitosan of the larval shell of Tenebrio molitor L. was 47.5%. Then the concentration of 2% chitosan is the optimal concentration of chitosan in preservation to inhibit microbial contamination, with the durability of pineapple juice for 3 days at room temperature with a total plate count (TPC) value of pineapple juice of 4.5 × 104. pH of pineapple juice which uses chitosan has an average of 3.0 -3.8, then the color organoleptic with 1% chitosan concentration can be accepted until the 4th day, the organoleptic taste of pineapple juice with the addition of chitosan can be accepted until the 2nd day, while the organoleptic aroma of pineapple juice with a concentration of 1.5% chitosan was acceptable until the 4th day.