Molecules (Apr 2024)

Isolation and Structure Analysis of Chitin Obtained from Different Developmental Stages of the Mulberry Silkworm (<i>Bombyx mori</i>)

  • Eryk Jędrzejczak,
  • Patrycja Frąckowiak,
  • Teresa Sibillano,
  • Erica Brendler,
  • Cinzia Giannini,
  • Teofil Jesionowski,
  • Marcin Wysokowski

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29091914
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 29, no. 9
p. 1914

Abstract

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Chitin, a ubiquitous biopolymer, holds paramount scientific and economic significance. Historically, it has been primarily isolated from marine crustaceans. However, the surge in demand for chitin and the burgeoning interest in biopolymers have necessitated the exploration of alternative sources. Among these methods, the mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) has emerged as a particularly intriguing prospect. To isolate chitin from Bombyx mori, a chemical extraction methodology was employed. This process involved a series of meticulously orchestrated steps, including Folch extraction, demineralization, deproteinization, and decolorization. The resultant chitin was subjected to comprehensive analysis utilizing techniques such as attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS). The obtained results allow us to conclude that the Bombyx mori represents an attractive alternative source of α-chitin.

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