Paul R. Austin

Chitin variability with species and method of preparation

Abstract 1. 1. Comparable series of chitins were derived from blue, red, stone, and horseshoe crabs by representative mild acid and EDTA decalcification followed by alkali deproteinization. 2. 2. These chitins were found to comprise a family of closely-related products with variable solubility, molecular weight, optical rotation, and acetyl values, which are a function of both the species from which they originated and their method of preparation. 3. 3. Substantial differences in the chitins were observed even from a single species, depending upon the details of their isolation.

CHITIN SOLVENTS AND SOLUBILITY PARAMETERS

Polymer solvents ave those whose solubility parameters (8) (a numerical value based on cohesive energy densities) approximate that of the polymer itself. Solvents are further classified as to their hydrogen bonding proclivities: poor (P), moderate (M) and strong (S), which is particularly important in selection of cosolvents.

Chitin isolates: Species variation in residual amino acids

Abstract 1. 1. The covalently bound chitin-protein mucopolysaccharides of several species of marine invertebrates have been fractionated by alkali and acid treatments similar to those used in the normal isolation of chitin. 2. 2. These chitin isolates and even the further-deproteinated chitins all contained small amounts of residual amino acids, with marked species variation in their identity and content. 3. 3. Aspartic acid, serine and glycine were most prevalent (aspartic acid persistent) and could be involved in the covalent linkage between chitin and protein.