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

TL;DR

This paper explores chitin extraction from silkworms, showing it's a promising alternative to traditional marine sources.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that mulberry silkworms can serve as a viable source of α-chitin.

Findings

Chitin was successfully isolated from Bombyx mori using a chemical extraction process.

ATR-FTIR, NMR, and WAXS confirmed the chitin's structural identity as α-chitin.

The results suggest Bombyx mori is a promising alternative source of chitin.

Abstract

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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