Fraunhofer Institute for Chitin und Chitosan – from shells to industry
Chitin differs from cellulose in its acetamide group in position 2. It occurs in various species of invertebrates and, like cellulose, has a structural function in plants. Chitosan is chitin’s deacetylation product and is soluble in diluted acids. As a result of the deacetylation and the free amino group that is generated, a polycation is produced in the non-alkaline solution that is characterized by its antiallergenic, antibacterial and antiviral effects. Applications for chitosan can be found in the medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, cosmetic, textile, water treatment and paper industries. Using chitosan in anti-graffiti protection on public buildings is also conceivable.