Proteomic and microscopic approaches in understanding mechanisms of shell-loosening of shrimp (Pandalus borealis) induced by high pressure and protease

•Shrimp shell-loosening gap induced by high pressure and enzymes was quantified by microscopy.•Protein changes in epidermis and shell were evaluated by 2D gel electrophoresis.•Relationship between protein changes and the shell-loosening gap was established.•The shell-loosening gap could be predicted from the protein fold change using PLS regression.•Degradation and loss of cuticular and epidermal proteins is the mechanism of shell-loosening.