PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A startup company in Maine is developing a children's bandage coated with a substance extracted from crushed lobster shells.
Portland-based Lobster Tough LLC wants to use lobster shells to produce chitosan, a compound that promotes blood-clotting and is resistant to bacterial infection. An Icelandic processor is testing the feasibility of using Maine lobster shells to manufacture chitosan. Company officials say those tests are promising. Chitosan is normally produced using shrimp shells.
Investor Patrick Arnold says Maine is known for its pristine environment and sustainable lobster industry. He says the Maine brand will help sell the bandages, which will feature cartoon images of lobsters.
Arnold says the company hopes the bandages will be sold in the United States next year.
