Customizing Properties of beta-Chitin in Squid Pen by Chemical Treatments

Loligo vulgaris squid pens (gladii) illuminated using polarized light, showing dichroic effect, a synchrotron X-ray fiber diffraction diagram and an AFM image. The structural organization of β-chitin in the gladius has been studied at different length scales after deproteinization and a partial deacetylation.
Ianiro A et al., Marine Drugs. 2014; 12(12)

Natural bio-products and processes are becoming more and more important for the preparation of new materials. The squid pen from the Loligo vulgaris was used for preparation of beta-chitin materials characterized by different chemical, micro- and nano-structural properties that preserved, almost completely the macrostructural and the mechanical ones. The potential applications of these beta-chitin materials range from nanotechnology to regenerative medicine. This kind of materials, which are waste products of the

fishing industry, has also important environmental implications. Retrieve Article Customizing Properties of β-Chitin in Squid Pen (Gladius) by Chemical Treatments; Ianiro A, Giosia MD, Fermani S, Samorì C, Barbalinardo M, Valle F, Pellegrini G, Biscarini F, Zerbetto F, Calvaresi M, Falini G., Marine Drugs. 2014; 12(12):5979-5992 doi:10.3390/md12125979