Quantification and characterization of insoluble chitinous materials in viscous chitosan solutions.
Insoluble chitinous materials in highly viscous chitosan solutions can be quantified using the viscosity-lowering action of transglucosidase (EC 2.4.1.24). In chitosan, commonly produced by high temperature deacetylation (90 degrees C), between 70-90% of insoluble chitinous materials were recovered by this enzymatic method whereas only 25% recovery was obtained by the nitrous acid method. The insoluble material recovered after enzyme treatment had a higher degree of deacetylation and a lower degree of crystallization than that after nitrous acid treatment. The results are explained by difference in penetration by enzyme and nitrous acid into the insoluble particle.
Hein
San
S
Bioprocess Technology, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
Ng
Chuen-How
CH
Stevens
Willem F
WF
D000107:Acetylation; D000123:Acetyltransferases / Q000737:chemistry*; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D048271:Chitosan; D005964:Glucosyltransferases / Q000737:chemistry*; D006868:Hydrolysis; D017942:Nitric Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D012995:Solubility; D012996:Solutions
D012996:Solutions; D002686:Chitin; D017942:Nitric Acid; D048271:Chitosan; D000123:Acetyltransferases; D005964:Glucosyltransferases; C049757:1,4-alpha-glucan 6-alpha-glucosyltransferase