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?)