Literature review
4
Chitin is commonly represented as a linear long-chain homopolymer, composed of N-acetyl
glucosamine units, with different polymorphic forms (α-, β-, and γ-chitin) as shown in the
Figure 03, depending on the source, where their arrangement of macromolecular chains varies
(PELLIS et al., 2022). Specifically, in α-chitin, the chains are arranged antiparallel to each
other, while in β-chitin, they are parallel, and in γ-chitin, two parallel chains and one antiparallel
chain form the structure (CRINI and LICHTFOUSE ,2019).
3. Sources of Chitin
Chitin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has a wide distribution in nature. It is found
in various organisms such as arthropods, fungi, cephalopods, and some marine animals
(PELLIS et al., 2022).
In arthropods, chitin provides structural
support and protection by forming a
complex matrix with other proteins and
polysaccharides. In fungi, it is a vital
component of the cell wall, helping to
maintain cell shape and integrity.
Additionally, chitin is present in some
marine organisms, including krill,
copepods, and certain fish species.
Presently, the majority of chitin
production is derived from crustaceans,
such as shrimp, crab, and shellfish.
Microbial sources are also used as a
source of chitin. (SANTOS et al., 2020).
Figure 3:Chitin polymeric Forms (α-, β-, and γ-)
Figure 4:The sources of chitin for chitosan
preparation (kulka and sionkowska, 2023
4
Chitin is commonly represented as a linear long-chain homopolymer, composed of N-acetyl
glucosamine units, with different polymorphic forms (α-, β-, and γ-chitin) as shown in the
Figure 03, depending on the source, where their arrangement of macromolecular chains varies
(PELLIS et al., 2022). Specifically, in α-chitin, the chains are arranged antiparallel to each
other, while in β-chitin, they are parallel, and in γ-chitin, two parallel chains and one antiparallel
chain form the structure (CRINI and LICHTFOUSE ,2019).
3. Sources of Chitin
Chitin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that has a wide distribution in nature. It is found
in various organisms such as arthropods, fungi, cephalopods, and some marine animals
(PELLIS et al., 2022).
In arthropods, chitin provides structural
support and protection by forming a
complex matrix with other proteins and
polysaccharides. In fungi, it is a vital
component of the cell wall, helping to
maintain cell shape and integrity.
Additionally, chitin is present in some
marine organisms, including krill,
copepods, and certain fish species.
Presently, the majority of chitin
production is derived from crustaceans,
such as shrimp, crab, and shellfish.
Microbial sources are also used as a
source of chitin. (SANTOS et al., 2020).
Figure 3:Chitin polymeric Forms (α-, β-, and γ-)
Figure 4:The sources of chitin for chitosan
preparation (kulka and sionkowska, 2023