Make Entry -- Become an Editor -- Most Popular: (10, 25, 50, 75, 100)

   Help

Chitin

Chitin is the primary component in the exoskeleton of an insect and other arthropods that gives it strength; it is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature, and over ten gigatons are synthesized and degraded each year. It is similar in structure to cellulose, and is classified as a polysaccharide. It is, however, stronger than cellulose because the hydrogen bond between strands is much more pronounced.

Chitin is generally collected by scientists from crab and shrimp shells. It is used in waste water clearing, in cosmetics, and for several veterinary applications. Chitin is also used for surgical thread. Surgical thread made of chitin is strong and flexible, and decomposes over time once the wound heals so that it's not necessary to remove stitches. It is also the primary component of chitosan.

Several modern insecticides target the structure of chitin in insects. Since this molecule doesn't occur in mammals, destroying chitin is an effective way of killing insects and some weeds while protecting the health of humans.

Web Resources On Chitin

Chitin Research
Chitin: A Natural Product from the Sea

Book Resources On Chitin

Chitin by R. A. A. Muzzarelli
Chitin-Chitosan: The Choice Food Supplement for over 10,000 Physicians in Japan by Koji Asaoka

Site Maps: Most Recent | Clusters | Browse
New: Graduate Student Job Opportunity