Effect of purification method of beta-chitin from squid pen on the properties of beta-chitin nanofibers

摘要

The relationship between purification methods of beta-chitin from squid pen and the physicochemical properties of beta-chitin nanofibers (NFs) were investigated. Two types of beta-chitin were prepared, with beta-chitin (a -> b) subjected to acid treatment for decalcification and then base treatment for deproteinization, while beta-chitin (b -> a) was treated in the opposite order. These beta-chitins were disintegrated into NFs using wet pulverization. The beta-chitin (b -> a) NF dispersion has higher transmittance and viscosity than the beta-chitin (a -> b) NF dispersion. For the first time, we succeeded in obtaining 3D images of the beta-chitin NF dispersion in water by using quick-freeze deep-etch replication with high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The beta-chitin (b -> a) NF dispersion has a denser and more uniform 3D network structure than the beta-chitin (a -> b) NF dispersion. Widths of the beta-chitin (a -> b) and (b -> a) NFs were approximately 8-25 and 3-10 nm, respectively. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.