Chapter 3
Chitin
Abstract Chitin occurs in a variety of organisms in aquatic ecosystems. It is a polymer of acetyl glucosamine monomer. It has wider commercial applications in its
deacetylated form as chitosan. Extraction process requires high-temperature treatment under alkaline as well as acidic conditions, depending on the source. Chitin is
one of the most explored aquatic biopolymers with existing commercial applications
as well as a wide range of applications in research. This chapter covers extraction processes from different sources, the chemistry, conventional and emerging applications,
availability of aquatic feedstock for chitin production as well as the environmental
and economic impact of chitin.
Keywords Chitin · Polymer · Chitosan · Crustaceans · Shrimps
3.1 Introduction
Chitin is the second most abundant polymer on earth (after cellulose). It is the most
abundant aquatic biopolymer and so far has proven itself to be the most ubiquitous
of all the biopolymers as it finds application in almost every industry. Chitin is one
of the polymers which have a relatively diverse source. It can be found in organisms
which are completely restricted to living in water such as shrimps as well as those
found in wetlands such as crabs, those in moist environment such as mushrooms
and even in insects. Biodegradability is a most desirable feature of polymers, and
there is an increasing demand for biodegradable polymers which will degrade into
non-toxic compounds once they have completed their service life. Chitin is one of
such polymers.
In this chapter, we present the chemistry of chitin, its occurrence in nature, role
within the environment and organisms from which they are sourced and the various
methods employed in the extraction and processing into other forms, particularly
its deacetylation into chitosan, the most commercially relevant form. The chapter
also explores the global demand for chitin and its numerous conventional, novel
and potential applications as well as the environmental impact of its production.
The chapter also identifies some of the companies and countries involved in chitin
production from different sources.
© Springer International Publishing 2020
O. Olatunji, Aquatic Biopolymers, Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34709-3_3
31
Chitin
Abstract Chitin occurs in a variety of organisms in aquatic ecosystems. It is a polymer of acetyl glucosamine monomer. It has wider commercial applications in its
deacetylated form as chitosan. Extraction process requires high-temperature treatment under alkaline as well as acidic conditions, depending on the source. Chitin is
one of the most explored aquatic biopolymers with existing commercial applications
as well as a wide range of applications in research. This chapter covers extraction processes from different sources, the chemistry, conventional and emerging applications,
availability of aquatic feedstock for chitin production as well as the environmental
and economic impact of chitin.
Keywords Chitin · Polymer · Chitosan · Crustaceans · Shrimps
3.1 Introduction
Chitin is the second most abundant polymer on earth (after cellulose). It is the most
abundant aquatic biopolymer and so far has proven itself to be the most ubiquitous
of all the biopolymers as it finds application in almost every industry. Chitin is one
of the polymers which have a relatively diverse source. It can be found in organisms
which are completely restricted to living in water such as shrimps as well as those
found in wetlands such as crabs, those in moist environment such as mushrooms
and even in insects. Biodegradability is a most desirable feature of polymers, and
there is an increasing demand for biodegradable polymers which will degrade into
non-toxic compounds once they have completed their service life. Chitin is one of
such polymers.
In this chapter, we present the chemistry of chitin, its occurrence in nature, role
within the environment and organisms from which they are sourced and the various
methods employed in the extraction and processing into other forms, particularly
its deacetylation into chitosan, the most commercially relevant form. The chapter
also explores the global demand for chitin and its numerous conventional, novel
and potential applications as well as the environmental impact of its production.
The chapter also identifies some of the companies and countries involved in chitin
production from different sources.
© Springer International Publishing 2020
O. Olatunji, Aquatic Biopolymers, Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-34709-3_3
31