A review of polymeric chitin extraction, characterization, and applications

Chitin is the second most abundant organic polymeric compound in nature after cellulose. The main sources of chitin are exoskeletons of crustaceans and marine waste that can continuously pollute the environment. Recently, the knowledge chemistry and its structural orientation of chitin is rapidly increased among the scientists due to its biomedical and industrial applications. The chitin has a wide variety of applications in the pharmaceutical, industrials, cosmetics, and agricultural industries; therefore, the isolation and identification of chitin biomaterials from natural sources are very important. Several mechanisms of action have been offered for the improvement of the extraction process of chitin and its bonded derivatives. The deacetylated products from chitin are more beneficial and economical bioactive polymers due to their medical applications. The purpose of this review is to focus on extraction, characterization, and various applications of chitin. In addition, present review summarizes the previous research reported on chitin and its derivatives about structural orientation, physical and chemical properties, and applications in various industrial and biomedical fields. In conclusion, the present review helps the new generation become more knowledgeable about chemistry, its structure, extraction methods, characterization, and applications for the discovery of new drugs to treat different diseases.