Chitin
Chitin Powder Manufacturer | High Purity Biopolymer (CAS: 1398-61-4) Headline: Premium Chitin Manufacturer | High Purity Biopolymer for Pharma & Agriculture (CAS: 1398-61-4) Sub-headline: Sourced from Deep-Sea Crustaceans | Consistent Acetylation Degree | FDA/GRAS Compliant Facility Unique Selling Proposition (USP): • High Purity Source: Extracted from premium snow crab/shrimp shells with low heavy metal content. • Controlled Parameters: Strict control on Ash (<1%) and Protein (<1%) for pharmaceutical grade applications. • Versatile Raw Material: The essential precursor for Glucosamine and Chitosan production.
Introduction
Chitin (CAS: 1398-61-4) is the second most abundant natural biopolymer in the world, after cellulose. Chemically known as poly-β-(1→4)-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, it is the primary structural component of the exoskeletons of crustaceans (crabs, shrimp) and fungal cell walls.
Unlike Chitosan, Chitin retains its acetyl groups, making it highly stable and insoluble in water and most organic solvents. Our Chitin is processed using a mild demineralization and deproteinization method to preserve its high molecular weight and biological integrity, serving as a critical raw material for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.
Category：
Keywords：
chitin
chitosan
biopolymer
Functions
1.Biomedical & Wound Healing
• Mechanism: Chitin fibers possess unique structural properties that mimic the Extracellular Matrix (ECM).
• Action: Accelerates wound healing by promoting macrophage activation and fibroblast proliferation. Often used in artificial skin matrices and absorbable sutures.
2.Agricultural Elicitor
• Mechanism: Acts as a Pathogen-Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP) in plants.
• Action: Triggers the plant's natural immune defense system, boosting resistance against fungal and bacterial infections (e.g., Fusarium, Botrytis) without using toxic pesticides.
3.Precursor Synthesis
• Mechanism: Hydrolysis and Deacetylation.
• Action: It is the starting material for producing Glucosamine (joint health) and Chitosan (water treatment, weight loss), determining the quality of the final derivative.
Applications
1.Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices
• Application: Wound dressings, surgical sutures, and drug delivery carriers.
• Why it works: Its biocompatibility and biodegradability prevent immune rejection while facilitating tissue regeneration.
2.Agriculture & Feed
• Application: Soil amendments and seed coatings.
• Why it works: Enhances root development and stimulates the growth of beneficial soil microorganisms (chitinolytic bacteria), improving crop yield.
3.Industrial & Cosmetic
• Application: Thickening agents and textile finishing.
• Why it works: Provides structural integrity and moisture retention in formulations.
Flow Chart
1.Raw Material Preparation: Washing and crushing of fresh shrimp/crab shells.
2.Demineralization: Acid treatment (HCl) to remove Calcium Carbonate.
3.Deproteinization: Alkali treatment (NaOH) to remove proteins.
4.Decolorization: Mild oxidation to remove pigments (Astaxanthin).
5.Washing & Neutralization: Multiple wash cycles to reach pH 7.
6.Drying: Hot air drying to moisture <10%.
7.Milling & Sieving: Grinding to specified mesh size (e.g., 80 mesh).
8.Packaging: 25kg Drum/Bag with liners.
(Note: Environmental controls include acid/alkali recovery systems to minimize waste)
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Chitin (Pharmaceutical Grade)
Source: Snow Crab Shell
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder/flakes | Conforms |
| Assay (N-Acetyl-D-glucosamine) | ≥ 90.0% | 92.5% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 1.0% | 0.6% |
| Protein Content | ≤ 1.0% | 0.3% |
| Moisture (Loss on Drying) | ≤ 10.0% | 7.8% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | < 5 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | < 0.5 ppm |
| Microbiology | Total Plate Count < 1000 cfu/g | Conforms |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
Test Method: Elemental Analysis / Acid-Base Titration
• Procedure for Purity: The degree of acetylation (DA) is often measured via FT-IR Spectroscopy or H-NMR, comparing the ratio of acetylated units to free amino units.
• Ash Testing: Calcination at 600°C ensures thorough demineralization (removal of Calcium Carbonate).
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
For Chitin, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) is the standard identification method.
• Key Peaks: A high-quality Chitin spectrum shows characteristic amide bands: Amide I (approx. 1650 cm⁻¹) and Amide II (approx. 1550 cm⁻¹), indicating the integrity of the N-acetyl groups. Absence of calcium carbonate peaks (876 cm⁻¹) confirms successful demineralization.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Long-term Stability (24 Months): Samples stored at Room Temperature (25°C) in sealed containers showed no degradation in polymer chain length or color change.
• Moisture Sensitivity: Chitin is hygroscopic. Tests at high humidity (75% RH) indicate moisture uptake; therefore, proper sealing is critical.
• Conclusion: Supports a 3-year shelf life if kept dry.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Non-hazardous natural polymer. GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for certain applications.
• Handling: Nuisance dust. Use local exhaust ventilation.
• Allergen Warning: Contains Crustacean Shell Derivatives. Must be labeled for shellfish allergies.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry area. Avoid moisture.
Customer Comments
Production Manager, JointCare Pharma (Germany)
2026.03.03
★★★★☆
R&D Director, GreenCrop Solutions (USA)
2026.03.03
★★★★☆
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FAQ
What is the difference between Chitin and Chitosan?
Chitin is the native polymer with acetyl groups (insoluble). Chitosan is the deacetylated derivative (soluble in weak acids). Chitin is used when physical stability and structural strength are required, or as a raw material.
Is your Chitin vegan?
No, our standard Chitin is sourced from crustacean shells (crab/shrimp). However, we can offer Fungal Chitin (Aspergillus niger origin) upon special request for vegan applications.
What mesh sizes are available?
We offer flakes (for extraction) and fine powders (80 mesh, 100 mesh) for direct formulation or agricultural spraying.
References
1.Rinaudo, M. (2006). "Chitin and chitosan: Properties and applications." Progress in Polymer Science.
2.Pillai, C.K.S., et al. (2009). "Chitin and chitosan polymers: Chemistry, solubility and fiber formation."
3.Hamid, R., et al. (2010). "Chitin and Chitosan Derivatives as Biomaterial." Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine.
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