Chitin Part 1: What Is Chitin?

What Is Chitin? 

Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, biomaterials, or functional fungi, chances are you’ve come across the term "chitin." But what exactly is it, and why does its origin matter? This guide dives into the science and practical relevance of chitin—especially in its mushroom, shellfish, and insect forms—and explains how this remarkable substance is powering a new era of sustainable health and manufacturing innovation.

What Is Chitin? Understanding Its Structure and Function

The Biochemistry of Chitin: A Polysaccharide with Power

Chitin is a long-chain polysaccharide composed of N-acetylglucosamine units, structurally similar to cellulose. It serves as a structural component in fungal cell walls, insect exoskeletons, and crustacean shells (Muzzarelli, 2011).

Chitin vs. Cellulose: A Molecular Comparison

While both are tough, fibrous carbohydrates, chitin's acetamide group distinguishes it from cellulose and gives it enhanced hydrogen bonding capacity, resulting in increased rigidity and resistance to hydrolysis (Gooday, 1990).

Sources of Chitin in Nature

Fungal Chitin: From Mushrooms to Mycelium

In fungi, including mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail, chitin is a key component of the mycelial cell wall. Fungal chitin is often co-extracted with beta-glucans in medicinal mushroom supplements and has a lower environmental impact during production (Bowman & Free, 2006).

Crustacean Chitin: Shellfish as a Commercial Source

The bulk of industrial chitin today is derived from shrimp and crab shells, a seafood processing byproduct. While abundant, it requires harsh chemical treatments to remove calcium carbonate and proteins, raising sustainability concerns (Rinaudo, 2006).

Insect Chitin: The Overlooked Frontier

Insects like beetles, crickets, and black soldier flies contain chitin in their exoskeletons. Insect-sourced chitin has a unique structure and is gaining traction for use in biodegradable films and animal feed (Yadav et al., 2019).

Other Natural Sources: Cephalopods, Algae, and More

Squid pens and even some algae species produce chitin or chitin-like molecules. These alternative forms may provide niche material properties for biomedical applications (Kurita, 2006).

Chemical Differences Between Chitin Sources

Degree of Acetylation and Polymerization

• Fungal chitin typically has a lower degree of polymerization but is more readily converted to chitosan (a water-soluble derivative) under mild conditions.

• Shellfish chitin often has a higher crystallinity and needs harsher alkaline treatments for conversion.

Differences in Associated Proteins and Lipids

• Insects and crustaceans have structural proteins and lipids tightly bound to their chitin matrix, complicating purification.

• Fungal chitin is interwoven with beta-glucans, offering additional prebiotic and immunomodulatory benefits.

Layman’s Perspective: How Chitin Varies by Source

To a non-scientist, the difference between mushroom, shrimp, and insect chitin might come down to:

• Sustainability: Mushrooms win, needing no chemical processing.

• Purity: Shellfish chitin can be high-yield but requires intense processing.

• Functionality: Fungal chitin is softer, insect chitin is flexible, and shellfish chitin is rigid.

Think of mushroom chitin like a soft fabric, shrimp chitin like rigid plastic, and insect chitin like durable leather.

Chitin as a Bioplastic: The Future of Sustainable Materials

Chitosan and the Plastic Alternative

Through deacetylation, chitin becomes chitosan—a flexible, biodegradable, and antimicrobial biopolymer. It's already being used in:

• Compostable packaging

• Medical wound dressings

• Liposomal Delivery Matrix, like in our patent-pending encapsulation Method for our Extracts

Strength, Flexibility, and Biodegradability

Compared to petroleum plastics, chitin-based materials are:

• 100% biodegradable

• Non-toxic and antimicrobial

• Strong yet flexible

Their use reduces dependence on fossil fuels and microplastic pollution.

Health and Ecological Advantages of Mushroom-Derived Chitin

Why Mushrooms May Be the Most Sustainable Source

Mushroom-based chitin:

• Is vegan-friendly, unlike insect and shellfish chitin

• Avoids allergens common in seafood

• Is naturally integrated with beta-glucans and other bioactives

 

Chitin’s Role in Nature and Industry

Chitin is nature’s versatile structural polymer, showing up in mushrooms, insects, and crustaceans. While each source offers unique chemical properties, mushroom-derived chitin stands out for its low-impact, bioavailable, and potentially therapeutic benefits. As the demand for sustainable materials grows, expect to see more products tapping into this natural biopolymer.

Learn More About Chitin in our Chitin Series!

Q&A: Common Questions About Chitin and Its Forms

Q1: What is chitin made of?
A1: Chitin is made of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine, a sugar molecule derived from glucose.

Q2: Is chitin the same in mushrooms and shellfish?
A2: No. While both are made of the same base molecule, their structure, purity, and associated compounds differ significantly.

Q3: Can you eat chitin?
A3: Yes, in small amounts. It's found in mushroom cell walls and insect powders. It may also function as a dietary fiber.

Q4: Is chitin biodegradable?
A4: Yes. It breaks down naturally and can even be composted or used in sustainable packaging.

Q5: What's the difference between chitin and chitosan?
A5: Chitosan is the deacetylated, water-soluble form of chitin and is used in medicine, agriculture, and food packaging.

Q6: Why is mushroom chitin considered better for the environment?
A6: It's harvested without killing animals or requiring harsh chemical treatments, making it more eco-friendly and scalable.

Q7: What industries are using chitin right now?
A7: Pharmaceuticals, agriculture, bioplastics, cosmetics, and even textiles.

References (APA Style with Hyperlinks)

• Bowman, S. M., & Free, S. J. (2006). The structure and synthesis of the fungal cell wall. BioEssays, 28(8), 799-808. https://doi.org/10.1002/bies.20441

• Gooday, G. W. (1990). The ecology of chitin degradation. Advances in Microbial Ecology, 11, 387-430. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-7612-5_9

• Kurita, K. (2006). Chitin and chitosan: Functional biopolymers from marine crustaceans. Marine Biotechnology, 8(3), 203-226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-005-0097-5

• Muzzarelli, R. A. A. (2011). Chitin nanostructures in living organisms. In Chitin (pp. 1-34). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7970-3_1

• Rinaudo, M. (2006). Chitin and chitosan: Properties and applications. Progress in Polymer Science, 31(7), 603-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2006.06.001

• Yadav, M., Goswami, P., Paritosh, K., Kumar, M., & Pareek, N. (2019). Seafood waste: A source for preparation of commercially employable chitin/chitosan materials. Bioresources and Bioprocessing, 6(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40643-019-0282-y

• Zhao, Y., et al. (2020). Sustainable fungal chitosan production and its emerging applications. Carbohydrate Polymers, 230, 115598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115598