Applications of chitin

Chitin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer in the world, behind only cellulose. It is also the most abundant naturally occurring polysaccharide that contains amino sugars. This abundance, combined with the specific chemistry of chitin and its derivative chitosan, make for the array of potential applications.

Chitin occurs as a component of crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, fungal cell walls, microtauna, and plankton, it is found in association with proteins and minerals such as calcium carbonate. The different sources of chitin differ somewhat in their structure and percentage of chitin content.

Chemically, chitin is a polymer formed primarily of repeating units of beta(1-4) 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose (or N-acetylglucosamine). Its structure resembles that of cellulose, except that the hydroxyl groups in position 2 have been replaced by acetylamino groups. Not every unit of naturally occurring chitin is acetylated; about 16% are deacetylated

Most commercial applications use the deacetylated derivative, chitosan, rather than chitin. Chitosan is a polysaccharide formed primarily of repeating units of beta (1-4) 2-amino-2-deoxy-D- glucose (or D- glucosamine). Generally, about 80% of the units are. deacetylated, with the remaining 20% acetylated. These values can vary with chitin sources and with processing methods.

Both chitin and chitosan are traditionally known to be highly insoluble in water. This characteristic has been a challenge for producers as well as end users of these polymers. Everyone would like an easily water-soluble chitin and chitosan

With existing chitin and chitosan extraction technology, physical characteristics were considered attractive attributes, such as high molecular weight and small, fine particle size. These physical attributes were needed to help overcome the resistance of chitin and chitosan to solublize in water.

MARINE CHEMICALS, Inc. has produced a significantly more water-soluble chitosan. Our product, even in large flake form, is fully and quickly soluble in a 1% acetic acid solution. The purity of our product means that it is far more reactive then conventional chitin or chitosan found on the market today.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in joints that the body makes from glucose (sugar) and the amino acid glutamine. It provides the building blocks for the body to make and repair cartilage. As we age, the body's ability to convert glucose and glutamine to Glucosamine declines because of reductions of the converting enzyme, glucosamine synthetase. When too little Glucosamine Sulfate is supplied by the body to the joints, cartilage begins to break down.

When sufficient levels of glucosamine are present, cartilage retains its ability to hold water and act as a shock absorber. Over time, we lose some of the glucosamine and other substances in cartilage that can leave cartilage unable to function as a shock absorber causing joint pain and swelling. This can lead to the thinning of cartilage and the onset and progression of arthritis and pain. By taking glucosamine supplements it can replenish our bodies supply of glucosamine and restore healthy joints that are damaged by osteoarthritis or other injuries

Why Your Body Needs to Make Glucosamine:
During the course of normal wear-and-tear on the body, connective tissue is constantly broken down, and then replaced or restructured, creating a continuous demand for glucosamine. Since dietary glucosamine is usually low, the body must synthesize it from glucose and the amino acid, glutamine. Under normal circumstances, the body is able to meet its needs for glucosamine synthesis, but under a variety of less than optimal conditions, production of glucosamine may be impaired.

A toothpaste made from crab's shells could cut dental infections and reduce the number of trips to the dentist, researchers claim.

The paste contains a sticky chemical substance which can kill bacteria.

It lodges around parts of the teeth and gums where bacteria grow and cause gum disease and tooth decay.

Water breaks the particles down, allowing them to release an antimicrobial chemical, triclosan, inside them.