by What is Chitin?
The main constituent of crustacean shells, insect aexoskeletons and cell walls of certain fungi, keratin is a long-chain polymer of an N-acetylglucosamine sugar. It is a derivative of glucose and is one of the most abundant biological polymers found in nature after cellulose. Keratin makes up structures like shells and exoskeletons, giving them rigidity and toughness.
Chemical Structure and Chitin
If cellulose is Chitin of glucose units connected linearly via beta linkages, keratin is made of N-acetylglucosamine units connected in a similar way. However, instead of the hydroxyl group, it has an acetylamine group attached to the C2 carbon. This small modification makes keratin much more resilient than cellulose. On a dry basis, keratin is composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen in a ratio similar to keratin. It is estimated that the world’s annual keratin production by living organisms is over 100 billion tons.
Sources and Extraction of Keratin
Crustacean shells from crabs, lobsters and shrimp are the major commercial source of keratin. Extracting pure keratin from shells involves deproteinization using alkali solution to remove proteins followed by demineralization with acid to dissolve calcium carbonate. This leaves behind the purified keratin. Fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons are other sources. Chitosan, a derivative obtained by deacetylating keratin, has gained importance due to its solubility in aqueous solutions below pH 6.
Applications and Uses
The unique combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability and ability to be chemically derivatized makes keratin and its derivatives suitable for many applications. Some key uses are:
– Wound healing: Keratin helps blood clotting and promotes wound healing. It is used in burn dressings, sutures and scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
– Agriculture: As a fertilizer, fungicide and plant growth promoter. Chitosan forms protective coatings on seeds, fruits and plants fighting infections.
– Manufacturing: Used to manufacture filters, paper, cardboard and textiles due to its film-forming ability. Chitosan films are being studied for food packaging applications.
– Medicine: In drug delivery, chitosan nanoparticles help transport drugs across cell membranes. It finds use as an excipient in tablets.
– Cosmetics & Toiletries: Found in creams, lotions and hair care products due to thickening and whitening abilities.It soothes skin and helps retain moisture.
– Water Treatment: An excellent flocculating agent used for purification of drinking water and waste water treatment by precipitating impurities.
– Others: Used in photography, textile dyes, metal chelation and as a raw material for biochemicals and fine chemicals production. Research explores more eco-friendly applications.
with the need for renewable resources and eco-friendly materials rising, keratin and its derivatives offer huge potential. Areas being explored include bioplastics as an alternative to petrochemical-based plastics, tissue engineering scaffolds, disease resistant GMO crops and bioactive wound dressings. More efficient methods of extraction and product standardization would boost largescale commercialization to unlock its full potential. Overall, keratin promises to become an important biomaterial globally in the coming years.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
