A one-step method is proposed to prepare chitin/Zn composite from shrimp shells by urea-Zn(OAc)2•2H2O aqueous solution as decalcification, deproteinization, and Zn-introduction solvent. Chitin/Zn composite contained 34.7 wt% zinc, 1.2 wt% calcium carbonate and 1.6 wt% protein was obtained under optimal conditions, which exhibited antibacterial effect.