Producing High-quality Chitin by Integrity Principle
Chitin is a natural linear polymer polysaccharide consisting of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine linked by a β-1,4-glycosidic bond. It is widely found in Marine Animals such as crustacean shells, arthropods, and mollusks. Chitin is a rich and diverse class of Marine Carbohydrates and it is the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose. CD BioGlyco provides high-quality Marine Biomolecule Production solutions to fulfill our client's needs. We offer chitin production services in the following conformations including but not limited to:
α-Chitin Production
- Aplysina fistularis α-Chitin
- Crab shells α-Chitin
β-Chitin Production
- Loligo β-Chitin
- Pogonophorans β-Chitin
- Diatom β-Chitin
Chitin extraction and purification
- Chemical Extraction: Depending on the sample source, we offer a comprehensive range of chemical extraction methods including acid-base extraction, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) extraction, ionic liquid extraction, and deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction.
- Enzymatic Extraction: CD BioGlyco provides efficient enzymatic extraction services using neutral proteases or acid proteases.
- Physical Extraction: Physical extraction offered by our lab is mainly used as an aid to enhance chemical or enzymatic extraction. Our experienced specialists offer microwave-assisted extraction services and ultrasonic-assisted extraction services.
Chitin characterization
CD BioGlyco provides services for the structural characterization of chitin under different processing conditions by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Roman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Chitin activity analysis
To further determine the biological activity of chitin, we provide a variety of cell lines for Antimicrobial Activity and Antitumor Activity Screening of chitin. Our staff provides one-stop activity testing services including cell line culture, chitin extraction, microscopic observation, and analysis of various indicators.
Publication
Technology: SEM, Calcofluor white staining (CFW), Light microscopy, Fluorescence microscopy, Roman spectroscopy, XRD, Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), FTIR
Journal: Molecules
Published: 2019
Results: In the present study, efficient microwave-assisted extraction of chitin derived from Caribena versicolor was used. The researchers further used advanced tools like XRD, ESI-MS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, etc. to identify and characterize the chitin. It was found that the main biomaterial within the stratum corneum is α-chitin. It can be rapidly isolated and extracted from tissues in a short time.
Fig.1 Raman spectra of four different samples. (Machałowski, et al., 2019)
Applications
- Chitin can be used to develop novel bacteriostatic agents. It not only inhibits common pathogenic bacteria, but also Streptococcus haematobium, Salmonella bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis.
- Chitin helps drive the development of novel drug delivery systems and marine drugs.
- Chitin can be used to prepare sugar-based nanobiofilms.
- Chitin can be used as an ingredient in the development of dietary food formulations.
- Chitin can be added to foods as an additive, such as a tissue builder, thickener, and soybean coagulant.
Advantages of Us
- Our experienced production team provides orthogonal optimization services based on the characteristics of the sample to ensure the highest yield and high-purity delivery of chitin.
- Our DES extraction has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, a simple synthesis process, and high extraction efficiency.
- Our laboratory offers not only single-processing services but also co-processing services.
- We offer a comparison service of chitin collected by different treatment methods including particle size, specific surface area, pore volume, viscosity, viscosity-averaged molecular weight, bulk density, vibrational density, and swelling ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the components of DES?
DES is a two- or three-component low fusion mixture of hydrogen bond acceptors (e.g., quaternary ammonium salts) and hydrogen bond donors (e.g., compounds such as amides, carboxylic acids, polyols, etc.) in specific molar ratios and under specific conditions.
What is the difference between the three crystalline structures of chitin?
- α-Chitin: α-Chitin is the most abundant and structurally stable crystalline form in nature, found mainly in crustacean shells, fish, and invertebrates. Its molecular chains are arranged in reverse parallel and its structure is compact, forming a stable crystalline form. α-Chitin has strong intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds and is not soluble in water, dilute acids, dilute bases, and general organic solvents.
- β-Chitin: β-chitin is less common in nature and is found mainly in the cartilage of squid. β-chitin molecular chains are arranged in parallel, with low interlayer hydrogen bonding and loosely arranged structures.
- γ-Chitin: γ-Chitin consists of three molecular chains, two in the same direction and one in the opposite direction. It is also found mainly in flexible structures.
With many years of experience in the production of marine molecules, CD BioGlyco is committed to being your best partner in the production of chitin. We are constantly optimizing our production process to meet the needs of different clients. Please feel free to contact us with any inquiries.
References
- Durante-Salmerón, D.A.; et al. Strategies to prepare chitin and chitosan-based bioactive structures aided by deep eutectic solvents: a review. Catalysts. 2024, 14(6): 371.
- Machałowski, T.; et al. Spider chitin: An ultrafast microwave-assisted method for chitin isolation from Caribena versicolor spider molt cuticle. Molecules. 2019, 24(20): 3736.
