Composition, structure and comprehensive utilization of abalone shell: A review

Shellfish is an essential component of seafood production systems worldwide. Among these systems, abalone shells have attracted increasing attention because of their unique properties such as hardness, toughness, adsorption capacity, catalytic performance, high calcium content, and biological activity. As a valuable marine resource, abalone shells are mainly composed of calcium salts, trace elements, and organic matrices. Owing to their unique microstructures, excellent mechanical properties and bioactive components, abalone shells have a wide range of application prospects in various fields. Currently, researchers are engaging in extensive investigations into the comprehensive utilization of abalone shells, covering diverse fields such as medical, environmental, chemical, construction, and agriculture. However, despite many research achievements, the utilization of abalone shells still faces some challenges, including concerns about resource sustainability and environmental impact. The aim of this review is to describe the composition and structure of abalone shells, and explore various potential pathways for their utilization.