Foundation Imagine PWS Verslag

What is chitin?

Chitin is a polymer. It is a fiber found in the shells of crustaceans (such as lobsters, crabs and shrimps) and insects. After cellulose, chitin is the most common polysaccharide found in nature.

Is chitin harmful in someway?

Chitin is non toxic and biodegradable

What is Chitosan?

Chitosan is a polysaccharide created by deacetylating chitin (Deacetylatin: Removing acethyl groups (CH3CO)). Chitosan is biodegradable, non toxic and anti-bacterial. Chitosan can be used for many purposes in medical and industrial fields. The differences in chitosans are characterised by the viscosity, degree of deacetylation, % remaining proteins, solubility, transparency and turbidity.

Is chitosan hamful?

No (It's even used for medical purposes)

How do you produce chitosan from chitin?

Chemical methode: Chitosan is created from chitin by deacethylate chitin. First chitin is treated with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to dissolve the calcium, this is also called demineralization. To neutralize it, it is treaded with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), this chemical process is called deproteinization. Then the chitosan is dried and ready for use. Another method is with the use of enzymes known as chitin deacetylases. Chitosan created this way should be washed and dried first before use. Enzym methode: The chitin is deacetylated with chitin deactylase, which gives chitosan and acetate.

Is the production of chitosan from chitin harmful?

Both hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide are toxic when inhaled, swallowed or when contacted with skin and caustic. Both are harmul for the enviroment. Production with enzymes is less harmful.(of mss helemaal niet?)

What are the possible applications of chitosan?

· Chitosan can be used for water treatment. Chitosan forms a combine with proteins, but in a way that recovery of proteins and chitosan is possible after use. This way chitosan can be used to remove metals from polluted water or it can be used for the clarification of wine, beer, juice etc. A membrane made out of chitosan can be used as a water softener.

· Chitosan can also be processed in paper. The paper will be antibacterial and extra solid so it can be used in the foodindustry as packing material. In this way, chitosan can also be processed in textile and even in food, all because off its antimicrobal quality.

· In the textile-industry chitosan is very popular because chitosan improves the textile qualities. Cotton becomes more crease-resistent and colours can be put on easier and stay visible longer.

· Chitosan can also be used for medical applications. It can be used as a bandage of as ointment for wounds, wich makes the wound to heal faster and better (it helps to prevent scars). Chitosan has a mild affinity to human tissue. Therefore it can be used as artificial skin or as suture thread.

· Drugs- and cosmetics industry are also interested in chitosan for its capabilities as moisture retention. It can be used in cosmetics, for hair care or for skin care.

· Chitosan is often thougt to be able to combine to fat, therefore it is quite popular in dietary industry.

· Chitosan can be used as oil in (industial) machines.