What are the functions and effects of chitin?

When we eat food with shells in our daily life, such as crabs, snails, etc., we often throw away the shells. In fact, don’t underestimate the shells of these foods, because they have other functions. For example, extracting certain elements and then applying them in various fields. Chitin comes from the shells of these animals and has a wide range of applications. So, what are the functions and effects of chitin?

Chitosan (C8H13O5N)n, also known as chitosan and chitin, has the English name Chitin. It was discovered by French scholar Braconno in 1811 and extracted from crustacean shells by Odier in 1823.

Light beige to white, soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid/phosphoric acid/sulfuric acid/acetic acid, insoluble in alkali and other organic solvents, and insoluble in water. Chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, is insoluble in water but soluble in some dilute acids.

Chitosan has a wide range of applications and can be used in industry to make fabrics, clothing, dyes, paper and water treatment. It can be used as pesticide and plant antiviral agent in agriculture. Used as fish feed in fisheries. Cosmetic beauty agents, hair protection, moisturizers, etc. Medical supplies can be used to make contact lenses, artificial skin, sutures, artificial dialysis membranes and artificial blood vessels, etc.

application

industry

Chitosan is used industrially for many different purposes. Chitosan is used for water and wastewater purification, and as a food additive and medicine to thicken and stabilize the state of food and medicine. Chitin can also be used as dye, fabric and adhesive. Industrial separation membranes and ion exchange resins can be made from chitosan. Chitosan is also used to increase the size and strength of paper.

medicine

The chitin product is advantageous as a tough and strong material for use as surgical sutures. In addition to some unusual properties, chitin accelerates the healing of human wounds and even becomes a standalone wound healing agent. There are many related application studies on biomedical materials, which have the advantages of good biocompatibility, non-biotoxicity, low price, easy modification, and good mechanical strength.

cosmetic

Chitosan has no rejection force on cells, has the effect of repairing cells, and can relieve allergic skin. Japanese research has confirmed that chitosan has antioxidant ability, can activate cells, prevent cell aging, and promote cell regeneration. Chitosan also contains highly effective moisturizing ingredients, and its beta-glucan can effectively hydrate the skin.

clothing

At room temperature, every 100 grams of chitosan powder can absorb 200 to 225 grams of 40wt% sodium hydroxide solution, of which about 100 grams is water. The adsorption value of chitin is related to the concentration of the alkaline solution and the adsorption temperature. At zero degrees, for 20-30wt% sodium hydroxide solution, every 100 grams of chitosan powder can absorb up to about 800 grams, of which about 600 is water. Chitosan has natural antibacterial effects and a very high broad-spectrum antibacterial rate. More than 90% of common bacteria cannot survive on chitosan fibers. Therefore, fabrics made of chitosan fibers and colored cotton or pure cotton are particularly suitable for infant clothing and high-end underwear for men and women.