MadSci Network: Biochemistry |
Shells of Crustaceans as Biopolymers
Resin is a class of organic product of natural or synthetic origin. Also most resins are a polymer, one of which is Chitin. Chitin is present in shells and walls of invertebrates, fungi and yeasts. It is a polymer of glucosamine, a main component of crustacean exoskeleton made up of calcium oxide and protein units. Chitosan is an amino-polysaccharide obtained after treatment from shellfish.
Shells of shrimp, crab and other crustaceans contain chitin, which is starchy, plastic like compound. It is one of the most important resources for creating biodegradable plastics, wonder drugs and crop enhancers. Chitin is nontoxic and quick to biodegrade hence can be used as an alternative to plastic.
Chitin can also be used in paper and textile manufacturing, as a good bio-adsorbent for the heavy metal removal, to isolate glycol-macropeptide (GMP), a bioactive compound, from sweet whey by using chitosan resins as anion exchangers. Additionally it has antifungal and antibacterial properties and can be used as contraceptive.
Chitosan, a compound derived from crab shell chitin can also be used as an additive in high-performance oil drilling, medical applications such as slow release drugs, weight loss, and bandages etc., water-resistant adhesives, lubricants, thickeners for cosmetics and other consumer products.
Since these polymers are themselves serving as biopolymers, they can be very well used as biodegradable plastics.
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