Nanostructured membranes based on native chitin nanofibers prepared by mild process

Abstract

Procedures for chitin nanofiber or nanocrystal extraction from Crustaceans modify the chitin structure significantly, through surface deacetylation, surface oxidation and/or molar mass degradation. Here, very mild conditions were used to disintegrate chitin fibril bundles and isolate low protein content individualized chitin nanofibers, and prepare nanostructured high-strength chitin membranes. Most of the strongly 'bound' protein was removed. The degree of acetylation, crystal structure as well as length and width of the native chitin microfibrils in the organism were successfully preserved. Atomic force microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, showed chitin nanofibers with width between 3 and 4 nm. Chitin membranes were prepared by filtration of hydrocolloidal nanofiber suspensions. Mechanical and optical properties were measured. The highest data so far reported for nanostructured chitin membranes was obtained for ultimate tensile strength, strain to failure and work to fracture. Strong correlation was observed between low residual protein content and high tensile properties and the reasons for this are discussed.

Three-dimensional chitin rings from body segments of a pet diplopod species: Characterization and protein interaction studies

“…Normally, chitin is found as fibrous [2,43] and porous structures associated with proteins and some minerals in many organisms [44]. Pores on the surface of chitin isolates are desirable for many applications, so in some cases chemical treatments are employed to create pores on the surface [45,46].…”

Nanostructurally Controlled Hydrogel Based on Small‐Diameter Native Chitin Nanofibers: Preparation, Structure, and Properties

“…A limitation of acid‐hydrolyzed chitin nanocrystals is often the short aspect ratio (length/diameter ratio). Recent advances in disintegration of cellulose nanofibers from wood pulp fibers have inspired isolation of high‐aspect‐ratio chitin nanofibers ,. Such chitin nanofibers have particularly small diameters (ca.…”

“…The chitin nanofibers used in the present study were analyzed previously . Chitin powder was treated with 2 m HCl, 20 % NaOH, and ethanol to remove calcium carbonate particles, protein matrix, and pigments, respectively; subsequent mechanical treatment was performed at pH 3 to facilitate nanofiber liberation through electrostatic repulsion.…”

Nanobiopolymers Fabrication and Their Life Cycle Assessments

“…ChNFs from different kinds of mushrooms vary in the range from 20 to 28 nm. The α‐ChNFs obtained from microfluidizer isolated crustaceans is around 3–4 nm or approximately 50 nm . As shown in Figure B, the α‐ChNFs produced from mechanical isolation usually have a long length and a high aspect ratio, but with broad width distribution (≈3 to 100 nm).…”