Tag: Chitin sources

As the second most abundant natural polysaccharide on Earth after cellulose, chitin is a critical biopolymer found across various biological kingdoms. So, what is the source of chitin and which organisms produce this resilient substance? It originates primarily from the hard outer structures of arthropods and the cell walls of fungi.

Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide on Earth, following cellulose, with an estimated billion tons produced annually. A good source of chitin is not limited to a single organism, but depends heavily on the intended application, considering factors like yield, purity, and sustainability, with leading options found in crustaceans, insects, and fungi.