chityny

Chityny is the plural form of chitin, a natural, high‑molecular‑weight polysaccharide that serves as a structural biopolymer in many organisms. Chemically, chitin is a linear polymer of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units linked by β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds. In its native state it forms crystalline microfibrils that contribute to the strength and rigidity of tissues.

Natural occurrence and function

Chitin occurs primarily in the exoskeletons of arthropods (such as crustaceans and insects) and in the cell walls of fungi, as well as in some algae. Its rigid, lightweight framework provides mechanical support and protection, and it often combines with proteins and minerals to create composite materials with enhanced durability.

Physical and chemical properties

Chitin is insoluble in most solvents and displays high resistance to many acids and bases. The material’s properties depend on its degree of acetylation and molecular weight, which influence crystallinity, solubility, and stiffness. Because of these characteristics, chitin is commonly chemically modified to improve processability. Deacetylation yields chitosan, a related polymer that is more soluble and versatile for various applications.

Production and processing

Commercial chitin is typically extracted from crustacean shell waste through demineralization (acid treatment to remove calcium salts) and deproteinization (alkaline treatment to remove proteins). Enzymatic or chemical methods can also convert chitin into chitosan, used in many industrial and biomedical contexts.

Applications and significance

Chitin and its derivatives are used in water treatment for adsorption of dyes and metals, in agriculture as a biocontrol and soil amendment agent, and in biomedicine for wound dressings, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds. They are valued for being renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible, with processing routes that enable a wide range of material formats.