Chitin and Chitosan: Basic Structure and Properties
Chitin
- Chitin is a linear polysaccharide formed by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine connected by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
- It is the second largest natural high molecular polymer in nature after cellulose and one of the natural organic compounds with the highest nitrogen content.
- Chitin has high crystallinity and strong hydrogen bonds, which makes it less soluble in water. It is usually necessary to prepare chitosan by alkaline deacetylation.
Chitosan
- Chitosan is a derivative obtained by deacetylation of chitin. Its molecular structure lacks N-acetyl groups, so it has high water solubility and biological activity.
- The basic building block of chitosan is N-glucosamine, which is connected by β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
- The degree of deacetylation and molecular weight of chitosan are its main performance indicators. The degree of deacetylation is usually between 60% and 100%.
Fig 1. Chitin and chitosan derived from the N-deacetylation of chitin. [1]
Physical and Chemical Properties
Solubility
Chitin has low solubility in most solvents, while chitosan has good solubility under acidic conditions due to the lack of acetyl groups. When the degree of deacetylation of chitosan reaches more than 50%, it can be dissolved in aqueous acidic media.
Biological Activity
Chitosan has significant antibacterial activity and has inhibitory effects on a variety of bacteria and fungi. Its mechanism is mainly through binding to DNA and inhibiting the synthesis of mRNA and protein. Chitosan also has biomedical functions such as hemostasis and wound healing.
Chemical Reactivity
The amino and hydroxyl functional groups in chitosan molecules make it highly chemically reactive, and it can undergo a variety of chemical modifications such as carboxylation, acylation, and etherification. These chemical reactions not only improve the solubility of chitosan, but also expand its application in industry and medicine.
Popular Chitin and Chitosan Products from Alfa Chemistry
Alfa Chemistry offers high-quality chitosan and chitosan products in the form of flakes, powders, crystals, and fibers, which are derived from natural sources such as crustacean shells. They have excellent performance to meet your project needs in various industries such as healthcare, cosmetics, and textiles.
Product Characteristics of Chitin and Chitosan Fibers
- Excellent biocompatibility: Chitin and chitosan fibers are highly biocompatible and suitable for applications in contact with human tissue.
- Strong adsorption properties: These fibers show excellent adsorption capacity for various substances, including heavy metals, dyes, and oils.
- Enhanced wound healing: Studies have shown that chitin and chitosan fibers can promote wound healing by providing an environment conducive to cell proliferation and migration.
- Antibacterial activity: These fibers have inherent antibacterial properties and can effectively prevent microbial contamination.
FAQs about Chitin and Chitosan Fibers
1. What are the common applications of chitin and chitosan fibers?
- Healthcare: Wound dressings, drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds.
- Cosmetics: Skin care products, hair care products.
- Textiles: Antimicrobial fabrics, water filtration membranes.
- Environmental: Wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup.
2. How are chitin and chitosan fibers used in wound healing?
Chitosan fibers can be used as wound dressings due to their antimicrobial properties, ability to absorb exudates, and promotion of cell growth. They provide a moist environment that supports healing and reduces the risk of infection.
3. How are chitin and chitosan fibers extracted?
Chitin and chitosan are typically extracted from the exoskeletons of crustaceans, such as crabs and shrimp. The process involves removing the organic matter and minerals, followed by deacetylation to obtain chitosan.
4. Can chitin and chitosan fibers be modified for specific applications?
Yes, chitin and chitosan fibers can be modified to enhance their properties, such as hydrophilicity, bioactivity, or mechanical strength. This can be achieved through techniques like crosslinking, grafting, or surface functionalization.
5. Are chitin and chitosan fibers environmentally friendly?
Yes, chitin and chitosan fibers are considered environmentally friendly due to their biodegradability and natural origin. They can be used as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials.
Why Alfa Chemistry?
- Premium Quality: Our products undergo strict quality control measures to ensure purity, consistency and excellent performance.
- Customized Options: Tailored to your needs, including specific particle size, surface modification and functional properties.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing, making it an affordable option for your R&D needs.
- Reliable Supply Chain: A reliable supply chain ensures timely delivery of our products.
Reference
- Boominathan, T., et al. Topics in Current Chemistry, 2021, 379, 1-57.
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