Abstract
α-Chitin derived from crab shells was treated with 30% sodium hydroxide to prepare partially deacetylated chitin with a deacetylation degree of 36%. Partially deacetylated chitin nanofibers were prepared by applying weak ultrasonic energy generated by a domestic ultrasonic cleaner. The deacetylated chitin was easily disintegrated into nanofibers with the aid of electrostatic repulsion and osmotic pressure effect of amino cations on the chitin surfaces. The nanofibers were characterized in terms of yield, morphology, crystallinity, viscosity, and dispersibility. After a series of characterizations, ultrasonication with 45 kHz frequency and 20 min treatment was found to be the optimum conditions for obtaining fine nanofibers with a high yield.
Highlights
Chitin is the main component of crab and shrimp shells
We have produced nano-chitin by mechanical crushing of chitin extracted from crab shells by utilizing the preparing technology of nanocellulose [2]
As an effect associated with taking the nanochitin, a relief effect of inflammation on the intestinal tract [12] and anti-hepatic and antioxidative effects [13] have been demonstrated
Summary
Chitin is the main component of crab and shrimp shells. It has a chemical structure similar to cellulose since it is a repeating structure of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-D- glucopyranose. Most of the crab shells are discarded without effective utilization. This is due to the fact that chitin is difficult to process and commercialize on account of its low solubility and dispersibility in water and common solvents. We have produced nano-chitin by mechanical crushing of chitin extracted from crab shells by utilizing the preparing technology of nanocellulose [2]. Nanochitin is a fibrous substance with a width of 10–20 nm Since it is a highly crystalline fiber, it has excellent physical properties [6]. It can be molded into a desired shape depending on the application due to its uniformly water-dispersible characteristics [7,8]. Various commercial products containing nanochitin as a functional ingredient have been available such as cosmetics, skin care products, and healthy foods
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
