Squid chitin as a potential alternative chitin source: Deacetylation behavior and characteristic properties

Abstract β‐Chitin was isolated from squid pens, and the characteristic chemical and physical properties were elucidated in comparison with those of shrimp chitin, α‐chitin. Deacetylation behavior of the squid chitin was first studied to look into the reactivity of β‐chitin and also to establish an efficient procedure for preparing squid chitosan. The squid chitin proved to show much higher reactivity in alkaline deacetylation than shrimp chitin. Although it was deacetylated quite easily, the product assumed a dark brown color under the ordinary reaction conditions for shrimp chitosan. Squid chitosan was successfully prepared by repeated alkaline treatments under mild conditions, particularly with high concentration alkali at low temperatures, without appreciable discoloration. The structural characteristics of the squid chitin were discussed on the basis of the IR and x‐ray analysis data. The crystalline structure of squid chitin was destroyed easily on deacetylation compared to that of shrimp chitin, and moreover, the resulting squid chitosan was amorphous unlike crystalline shrimp chitosan. The squid chitin was characterized by the remarkable affinity for organic solvents and water. Squid chitin and chitosan also showed much higher hygroscopicity and retention of the absorbed water than shrimp chitin and chitosan and are considered to be useful as highly hydrophilic materials. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.