Mushrooms are a real superfood. They have B vitamins, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, and many other nutrients. But what is especially interesting about the composition of mushrooms is their unique texture, which has no analogues among other representatives of nature. And the substance chitin is responsible for the “fleshy” structure of mushrooms. Yes, yes, the same chitin, known from biology lessons, which is contained in the shells of crustaceans and insects. It is thanks to the unique chemical structure that fungi have been isolated in a separate kingdom. But what role is assigned by nature to chitin, other than to create shells and give uniqueness to mushrooms?
What is chitin
Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer on the planet.
According to some estimates, exactly as much of this substance is produced annually in nature as cellulose. From a chemical point of view, it is a nitrogen-containing straight chain polysaccharide. Under natural conditions, it is part of complex organic and inorganic compounds.
Chitin as a natural biopolymer is found mainly in the exoskeleton (outer part of the skeleton) of shrimp, crabs, lobsters, crayfish. Also found in fungi, yeast, some bacteria and butterfly wings. In the human body, it is necessary for the formation of hair and nails, and in birds - plumage. Pure chitin is more fragile than in combination with other substances. Insect exoskeletons are a combination of chitin and proteins. Crustacean shells are usually composed of chitin and calcium carbonate.
Chitin has many commercial counterparts, including food and pharmaceutical products. They are commonly used as food thickeners and stabilizers, and help create an edible film on foods.
IN food products chitin presented in a modified and more bioavailable form of chitosan. Chitosan is a derivative of chitin, formed as a result of exposure to a substance with temperature and alkali. According to scientists, this substance in its composition resembles the tissues of the human body. For industrial purposes, it will be obtained from the shells of crustaceans.
Discovery history
The discovery of chitin falls on 1811, when Professor Henry Braconneau first discovered it in mushrooms. The scientist with particular interest began to study an unknown substance that did not succumb to the influence of sulfuric acid. Then (in 1823) this substance was found in the wings of May beetles and was named "chitin", which in Greek means "clothing, sheath". This material was structurally similar to cellulose, but was much stronger. The structure of chitin was first determined by the Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann. And in 1859 academia learned about chitosan. After chemists "cleared" chitin from calcium and proteins. This substance, as it turned out, has a beneficial effect on almost all organs and systems. human body.
Over the next century, interest in chitin faded a little, and only in the 1930s it grew with renewed vigor. And in the 1970s, the production of a substance from mollusk shells began.
Chitin in nature
As already noted, chitin is the main component of the exoskeleton (outer part of the skeleton) of many arthropods, such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans. Exoskeletons made from this tough and hard substance protect the sensitive and soft tissues of animals that lack internal skeletons.
Chitin is similar in structure to cellulose. And the functions of these two substances are also similar. Since cellulose gives strength to plants, chitin strengthens animal tissue. However, it does not perform this function on its own. Proteins come to his aid, including elastic resilin. The strength of the exoskeleton depends on the concentration of certain proteins: whether it will be rigid, like the shell of a beetle, or soft and flexible, like the joints of crabs. Chitin can also be combined with non-protein substances such as calcium carbonate. In this case, crustacean shells are formed.
Animals that wear a "skeleton" on the outside are relatively inflexible due to the stiffness of the armor. Arthropods can only bend limbs or segments of their body at joints where the exoskeleton is thinner. Therefore, it is important for them that the exoskeleton matches the anatomy. In addition to the role of a hard shell-shell, chitin prevents the drying and dehydration of the bodies of insects and arthropods.
But the animals grow, which means that from time to time they need to correct the "size" of the armor. But since the chitinous structure cannot grow with the animals, they shed the old shell and begin to secrete a new exoskeleton with the glands of the epidermis. And while the new armor hardens (which will take a little time), the animals become extremely vulnerable.
Meanwhile, nature endowed only small animals with chitin shells; such armor would not protect larger individuals of the fauna. It would not fit terrestrial invertebrates either, because over time chitin gets fatter and heavier, which means that animals would not be able to move under the weight of this protective armor.
Biological role in the body
Once in the human body, chitin, which has the ability to bind dietary lipids, reduces the activity of fat absorption in the intestine. As a result, the level of cholesterol and triglycerides in the body decreases. On the other hand, chitosan is able to influence calcium metabolism and accelerate its excretion in the urine. Also, this substance can significantly reduce the level of vitamin E, but positively affect the mineral composition of bone tissue.
In the body, chitin-chitosan plays the role of an antibacterial substance.
For this reason, it is included in some wound care products. Meanwhile, long-term use of chitin can disrupt the healthy microflora of the gastrointestinal tract and activate the growth of pathogenic microflora.
Functions of chitin and chitosan:
- component of baby food;
- useful nutritional supplement;
- lowers cholesterol;
- fiber source;
- promotes the reproduction of bifidobacteria;
- helps with lactose intolerance;
- important for reducing excess weight;
- antiulcer component;
- essential for bone strength;
- beneficial effect on eye health;
- relieves gum disease;
- anticancer agent;
- component of cosmetics;
- component of many medical products;
- flavoring agent, preservative;
- used for the production of textiles, paper;
- seed treatment agent;
- important for water purification.
What is it needed for
There is a good deal of scientific evidence that shows the effect of chitin on lowering cholesterol levels. This property is especially noticeable in the combination of chitosan and chromium. For the first time this effect on the example of rats was proved by Japanese scientists in 1980. The researchers then discovered that cholesterol reduction is due to the ability of chitin to bind lipid cells, preventing them from being absorbed by the body. Then, Norwegian scientists announced the results of their experience: in order to reduce cholesterol levels by almost 25 percent, it is necessary to take chitosan in addition to diets for 8 weeks.
The positive effect of chitin is also felt by the kidneys. This substance is especially important for maintaining optimal well-being in people undergoing hemodialysis procedures.
The effect on the skin is to activate the ability to quickly heal wounds.
Dietary supplements containing chitosan help maintain a healthy weight.
Affects the body on the principle of soluble fiber. So, it improves the functioning of the digestive organs, accelerates the passage of food through the intestinal tract, improves intestinal motility.
Improves the structure of hair, nails and skin.
Beneficial features
Numerous studies have shown that chitin and its derivatives do not have toxicity, which means that they can be safely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. According to some data, about 2 million people take chitin-based dietary supplements in the USA and Japan alone. And their number is only growing. By the way, Japanese doctors recommend that patients take chitin as a remedy for allergies, high blood pressure, and arthritis.
In addition, it is known that chitin is completely decomposed under the influence of microorganisms, and therefore is an environmentally friendly substance.
Hitin and...
…digestion
Introducing chitin into your regular diet is the best thing a person can do for their health. So, at least, say some researchers. After all, the consumption of this substance will not only help to lose weight, but also lower blood pressure, prevent the occurrence of ulcers in the digestive system, and facilitate the digestion of food.
Several studies conducted in Japan and Europe have shown that chitin and its derivatives promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Also, scientists have reason to believe that chitin not only improves the functioning of the colon (relieving irritable bowel syndrome), but also prevents the formation of malignant tumors and polyps in the tissues.
It has been proven that this unique substance protects against gastritis, stops diarrhea, relieves constipation, removes toxins.
…lactose
This may be surprising, but the results of the research are convincing in the truth of this assumption. Chitin alleviates lactose intolerance. The results of the experiments surprised even scientists. It turned out that against the background of chitin, even food, which is 70 percent lactose, does not cause symptoms of indigestion.
…excess weight
Today, there is some evidence that chitin is a fat blocker. When a person consumes this carbohydrate, it binds to lipids that have entered the body with food. And being an insoluble (indigestible) component, the bound fat automatically gives the same ability. As a result, it turns out that this strange “blowing” travels through the body without being absorbed into it. It has been experimentally established that for weight loss it is necessary to consume 2.4 g of chitosan per day.
…wound healing
Chitin is one of the most important substances for patients with burn wounds. It has remarkable compatibility with living tissue. Scientists have noticed that thanks to this substance, wounds heal faster. It turned out that the acidic mixture of chitin accelerates the healing of injuries after burns of varying degrees. But the study of this ability of chitin continues.
…mineralization
This polysaccharide plays a decisive role in the mineralization of various tissues. And the main example of this is the shells of mollusks. Researchers, having studied this ability of chitin, have high hopes for this substance as a component for bone tissue repair.
“Did you order locusts for lunch?”
Chitosan burst into the food industry in the 1990s. When advertising a new nutritional supplement, manufacturers repeated that it promotes weight loss and cholesterol, prevents osteoporosis, hypertension, and stomach ulcers.
But, of course, the use of chitin in food did not begin at the end of the last century. This tradition is at least several thousand years old. Residents of the Middle East and Africa have been consuming locusts since time immemorial as a healthy and nutritious dish. There are mentions of insects as food on the pages of the Old Testament, in the records of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, in the ancient Roman annals, in the books of the Islamists and in the legends of the Aztecs.
Among some peoples of Africa, dried locust with milk was considered a traditional dish. In the East, there was a tradition of presenting insects to a husband as the highest gift. In Sudan, termites were considered a delicacy, and boiled ants were the highlight of Aztec dinner parties.
There are different opinions about such gastronomic tastes. But in many countries of the East they still sell fried locusts, in Mexico they cook grasshoppers and bedbugs, Filipinos enjoy various cricket dishes, and in Thailand tourists will be willingly offered specific delicacies from beetle larvae, crickets, caterpillars and dragonfly dishes.
Grasshoppers alternative to meat?
To beetle-eating in modern world are treated differently. Some are thrown into the heat just by the thought that someone somewhere clicks instead of cockroach seeds. Others decide to taste gastronomic exoticism while traveling the world. And for the third, grasshoppers and all the chitinous brethren serve as ordinary food, which has been held in high esteem for hundreds of years.
This fact could not but interest the researchers. They began to study what a person can get useful by consuming insects. As expected, scientists have determined that all this "buzzing exotic" supplies a person with chitin, which, no doubt, is already a plus.
In addition, in the course of studying the chemical composition of insects, it turned out that some contain almost as much protein as beef meat. For example, 100 g of grasshoppers contain 20.5 g of protein, which is only 2 g less than in beef. Dung beetles have about 17 g of protein, termites have 14, and bee bodies have about 13 g of protein. And everything would be fine, but collecting 100 g of insects is much harder than buying a 100-gram piece of meat.
Be that as it may, but late XIX century, the British Vincent Holt founded a new trend for gourmets and called it entomophagy. The adherents of this movement, instead of meat-eating or vegetarianism, "professed" feeding on insects. Supporters of such a diet considered their diet, rich in chitin, almost medicinal. And the dishes from their menu are healthier and cleaner than animal products.
How to get the most chitin from food
Shrimp belong to the list of foods with the highest chitin content. But if you really want to get the maximum of the substance from this product, then preference should be given not to royal, but to smaller specimens. Their shells are easier to chew, and chitin from them is more easily absorbed by the body. If you take fish as a source of chitin, then you need to cook it exclusively with scales. Well, do not forget about mushrooms, from which you can cook dozens of dishes. And the best part is that you don't have to chew anyone's shells or scales.
Pharmaceutical analogue
Fried grasshoppers, cockroaches or dung beetles are, of course, not a unique source of chitin. Modern man can easily renew the reserves of the substance in the body, avoiding such an exotic cuisine. It is not for nothing that researchers have been learning for decades to isolate this useful component from natural sources.
In the Soviet Union, for example, a medication with chitin appeared in the second half of the 20th century. True, then this development was kept under the heading "Secret". Soviet scientists after a series of experiments on mice, dogs and monkeys proved the effectiveness of chitin in the treatment of radiation. A few years later, the efficacy of the drug was tested on humans.
Then it turned out that, in addition to protecting against radio emissions, this substance is effective against allergies, oncological formations, intestinal dysfunction and hypertension. At present, research is ongoing. And not so long ago, scientists were able to get chitosan from bees. This event served as a new impetus in the development of the science of chitinology.
Consumption rates
A daily dose not exceeding 3 g is considered a safe dose of chitin. Otherwise, instead of improving motility, the gastrointestinal tract may malfunction.
Meanwhile, more active consumption of this polysaccharide is allowed for overweight people and high cholesterol. It is also worth paying attention to the maximum allowed daily allowance of chitin for fatty degeneration of the liver, impaired metabolism, diabetes mellitus and allergic conditions. In addition, people with diabetes mellitus, frequent constipation, intoxication, and also after transplantation of skin areas feel an increased need for chitin.
On the contrary, it is not advisable to get carried away with mushrooms and crustaceans for people with dysbacteriosis, flatulence, gastritis, pancreatitis, and inflammation in the digestive organs.
Side effects
Studies confirm that chitin has an extremely low level of toxicity. Side effects are possible in people with shellfish allergies. This is manifested, as a rule, in the form of constipation and flatulence. Excessive consumption of chitosan complicates the work of the digestive system, up to a complete blockage.
How to recognize a deficiency
Elevated cholesterol is one of the symptoms of chitin deficiency. Violation of the kidneys may also indicate a lack of substance from the shells of mollusks. And even pediculosis (lice), as some researchers say, also appears when the body lacks chitin.
Other symptoms include:
- physical weakness;
- loss of appetite;
- obesity;
- sleep disturbance;
- frequent allergies;
- intestinal disorders;
- pain in the joints;
- excess sludge.
What are the benefits of old crabs
Plants serve as a source of cellulose for humans, which is, if I may say so, a natural analogue of plastic. Many years ago, scientists learned how to make a lot of this material, including plastic and viscose.
But some animals can also produce natural "plastic". And in the world of fauna it is chitin. For many years, crab meat has been used in Food Industry, and the shells of these crustaceans were discarded. Several thousand tons annually. And all because scientists could not figure out how to extract chitin from these shells. And only in 1975, chemists were able to isolate the necessary substance from the armor for the first time and process it into the desired form. This is how a surgical thread appeared, which does not cause allergies, promotes the rapid healing of wounds, and then dissolves in the body. This discovery was an incredible impetus in the development of medicine. It's hard to believe, but all this is thanks to the crab shells, which until recently were thrown away as garbage.
Areas of use of chitin
Man has found many ways to use chitin for his own good. So in medicine, durable chitin is used to create surgical threads. Because of its ability to quickly absorb water, it has become a part of tampons and sponges. Chitin has strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. For this reason, it often serves as an additional component of medical bandages, dressings.
In the digestive industry, chitin is included in many products as a thickening component. In addition, the substance is used in water purification from fats, salts heavy metals, toxins, as a component of pet food. It is also included in many cosmetics and even serves as a component for the manufacture of underwear. Chitin is used in biomedicine, microbiology, and agriculture. Beekeepers use apizan, a product based on low molecular weight chitosan, to fight mites.
Chitin in cosmetology
Recently, among the range of cosmetic products, chitin-based preparations are gaining popularity. Modern shampoos, balms and hair styling products, toothpastes, creams and gels often contain this useful polysaccharide. The extract obtained from crustacean shells restores skin elasticity, strengthens nails, and covers hair with a protective film. If we talk about hair, then thanks to the chitinous “coating”, they are easier to comb, acquire a healthy shine, do not become electrified, and look more voluminous. And with all this, they retain the ability to breathe.
New generation anti-aging cosmetics incorporates a chitin derivative - chitosan. It smoothes wrinkles, refreshes skin color, improves blood circulation. The same substance is introduced into the composition of anti-obesity drugs, since it helps to remove excess fluid and toxins from body tissues.
Chitin recipes
Folk healers also never ignored chitin. In particular, bees and their metabolic products have always been valued in Rus'. But now - about bees, as a source of useful chitin. The preparation of many medicinal products is based on dead bees (dead insects). They just serve as a source of chitin. Most often, water and alcohol tinctures are prepared from dead bees. These remedies were used in folk medicine to quickly heal wounds, prevent scarring, and also as a hemostatic, analgesic and general tonic.
Alcohol tincture to strengthen the body
Ingredients:
- bee subpestilence - 1 tablespoon;
- alcohol 40 percent.
How to cook
Grind the dead bee (you can use a coffee grinder) and pour with alcohol. Leave the mixture for 21 days in a dark place. During this time, shake the mixture regularly (at least once a day). Store in a tightly closed container in a dark place.
The remedy is taken to strengthen the immune system and cleanse the body.
Water infusion for weight loss
Ingredients:
- bee subpestilence - 2 tablespoons;
- boiling water - 500 ml.
How to cook
Podmore pour boiling water, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours over low heat. Strain, cool. Take three times a day, 1 tablespoon before meals (for half an hour).
The tool regulates hormonal balance, accelerates the burning of fat, promotes weight loss.
Powder against tuberculosis (from Medvedka)
Two days before the preparation of the recipe, the bear is put "on a starvation ration." This technique allows you to clean the insect's digestive tract. Then disinfected with alcohol. And only after that they start drying. It is best to dry in the oven at a low temperature. Grind dry insects in a coffee grinder. Take mixed with honey 2-3 times a day. Single dosage - 1 teaspoon.
Chitin remained an unsolved substance for researchers for a long time. But every year scientists learn more and more about this unique polysaccharide. And the more discoveries are made, the more they admire the properties of chitin. And not so long ago in scientific circles they started talking about the potential possibility of creating an unlimited number of products from chitin. How realistic these ideas are remains to be seen.
Few still remember information about this element from biology lessons. Where does it occur in nature? Why is the body needed? The answers to these questions are presented in the article.
Description of the substance
Chitin is a natural compound of nitrogen-containing polysaccharides. It occurs naturally in crustacean skeletons, insect wings, fungal tissues, and in plant stems and leaves.
Until recently, chitin was considered a waste material, because it cannot be dissolved in various alkalis and in water. However, this element has great importance for many living beings. It should be borne in mind that chitin is a substance that is part of the human body. Thanks to him, we form very strong nails and hair.
Significance in wildlife
Chitin is the main part of the external skeleton in many arthropods. This includes crustaceans, spiders and some insects. Since the bodies of such inhabitants of our planet are devoid of internal skeletons, something must protect their internal organs from damage. Therefore, we can say with confidence that chitin performs a protective function.
However, this element does not exist on its own. It is combined with other substances, such as proteins, and this allows it to be more rigid, or vice versa, more flexible. First of all, the chitinous cover is designed to protect internal organs. But besides that, it also protects the body from drying out and dehydration.
The disadvantage of such a shell is that it cannot increase in size. Therefore, the animal is forced to shed it and wait until a new protective shell is formed. It does not take much time, but the representative of the fauna at this time becomes defenseless.
Chitin is a substance that is part of the shells of only small animals. Such a shell will not be able to protect large individuals. It is not suitable for terrestrial invertebrate inhabitants. Over time, it begins to become heavier and coarser, which means that it becomes more and more difficult to move around in it.
Role in the human body
Chitin is responsible for the binding of lipids in the human body. This indicates that the intestines become easier to work, the level of cholesterol and other harmful lipids in the body decreases. Digestion is normalized, the work of the stomach improves. This element also stimulates the mineralization of bone tissue in the human body. However, it cannot be taken for a long time, as this can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and lead to the reproduction of pathogenic and opportunistic flora in the body.
Chitin is a source of fiber and also helps to fight excess weight. With it, you can strengthen the bones of the skeleton, as well as increase the number of bifidobacteria in the body. When exposed to the skin, chitin has an antimicrobial effect, promotes rapid healing of wounds, abrasions and cuts. The element also has a positive effect on nails, skin and hair. Therefore, it is included in many cosmetics and vitamin supplements.
Chitin in mushrooms
Mushrooms are a valuable product for the human body. They contain a lot of useful substances, such as selenium, potassium, zinc, copper, as well as a large number of B vitamins. However, this is not all. The composition of such products also includes chitin. Mushrooms are considered a unique species of organisms due to a special fleshy tissue called mycelium. Such a structure is given to it by the chitin that is part of the mycelium. Not surprisingly, mushrooms occupy a special place between animals and plants and fulfill their unique role for the human body.
Chitin in mushrooms will only benefit the body if you consume a moderate amount of this product.
Do not forget that this element is not digested and absorbed in the intestines, although it improves digestion. Chitin in the cell wall of the fungus is a fiber for the human body. However, scientists do not recommend eating mushrooms very often. They can be included in the diet only occasionally, no more than once a week. It is not recommended to eat mushrooms for children under 7 years old.
Role in digestion
Scientists have proven that chitin introduced into the diet of animals has a positive effect on the digestive system. This substance is able to fight excess weight, as well as lower blood pressure. When used correctly, it will relieve stomach and intestinal ulcers, provide easy digestion of food. The use of chitin will relieve constipation, diarrhea, and also remove toxins from the body.
Scientists have proven that eating a moderate amount of chitin will increase certain groups of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. By taking such a dietary supplement, you reduce the risk of developing malignant tumors and polyps.
Eating insects
As mentioned above, chitin consists of nitrogen-containing polysaccharides. Since ancient times, the inhabitants of Africa and the Middle East have eaten a large number of insects. At the same time, such a dish was not considered a dessert, but was a full meal. This is evidenced by ancient records. For example, in some peoples they ate locusts with milk. For other peoples, termites or boiled ants were a real delicacy.
However, even today you can taste dishes made from insects. Of course, scientists were interested in eating insects by natives, so various scientific research. Eating insects has been found to be very beneficial for human health. Firstly, the composition of the cell membranes of insects includes chitin, which is already a definite plus. However, this is not all. For example, the body of a grasshopper contains almost as much protein as beef meat. That is why insects are considered complete nutritious foods.
Chitin deficiency
Cellulose, chitin are substances similar in composition and function. However, the first of them is part of plant cells, and the second is part of the cell wall of arthropods.
The first thing to pay attention to is elevated level cholesterol in the body. Another symptom that indicates a deficiency of chitin is the malfunction of the kidneys. However, these are not all signs. Very often, people with a lack of this element suffer from decreased appetite, weakness, improper bowel function, slagging of the body, frequent allergic reactions, joint pain and obesity.
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to see your doctor. If the doctor establishes a chitin deficiency, he will select the right diet for you, and also include multivitamin complexes in it.
Scope of use
Chitin is very actively used in many areas of human life. For example, it is used to make strong and reliable. It is also able to quickly absorb liquids, so it is used to make various sponges and tampons. Do not forget that chitin has antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can be used for the manufacture of various dressings.
In addition, chitin has found its application in cosmetology, in the manufacture of animal feed, as well as in agriculture and microbiology.
Chitin is a natural compound from the nitrogen-containing series. It is also commonly referred to as the "sixth element". Chitin is found in fairly large quantities in the organisms of some insects, various crustaceans, in the stems and leaves of plants. It is worth noting that in nature, in terms of its productive data, it is second only to.
For hundreds of years, chitin was considered a waste, since its composition is not able to dissolve either in dilute alkalis, and many other solvents, or in water. The advantage of chitin is the high operating cost at direct use, unlike cellulose.
Useful properties of chitin
Scientific and technical discoveries have allowed a person to discover a number of interesting properties in chitin that cellulose does not possess. For example, today this substance is the only edible animal cellulose in the world. It should be noted that chitin is charged exclusively with positive ions. In addition, it contains minerals, fats, sugar and proteins, which gives every right to consider it the sixth essential element vital for a person.
Once in the human body, chitin actively absorbs negatively charged fatty acids. Thus, this substance prevents their absorption into the intestine. Gradually, chitin removes negatively charged fatty acids from the body.
Chitin fibers continuously activate the peristalsis of digestion. This effect stimulates the food consumed to move in the digestive tract in an accelerated mode. Thus, chitin is an effective and safe method. In addition, chitin fibers have the ability to bind cholesterol and fatty acids, while preventing absorption. harmful substances into the blood vessels.
Chitosan, which is obtained by deacetylation, effectively activates the necessary activity of the cells of the human body. At the same time, it significantly improves nervous self-regulation and hormonal secretion.
Scientific works showed that chitosan has the ability to reduce the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Thus, it does not allow it to settle in the liver and prevents its absorption in the small intestine.
In addition, this substance significantly limits the absorption of chlorine ions in the human body, lowering blood pressure and dilating blood vessels. In a word, chitin significantly slows down the aging process of the body, strengthening the immune system, protecting the liver, regulating the functions of internal organs, activating cells and cleansing the body of harmful toxins and toxins.
general characteristics
When it comes to chitin, immediately remembered school lessons biology. Arthropods, crustaceans and everything related to them ...
But, despite this, chitin was also very useful for humans.
Chitin is a polysaccharide that belongs to the group of hard-to-digest carbohydrates. According to their physical and chemical properties, as well as biological role it is close to plant fiber.
Chitin is part of the cell membrane of fungi, as well as some bacteria.
Formed by the residues of the amino sugar acetylglucosamine, chitin is one of the most abundant polysaccharides in nature.
This is a substance found in fungi, bacteria, arthropods. Several types of chitin have been isolated, differing in their chemical composition and properties.
Opening
Chitin was first discovered in 1821 by the director of the botanical garden, Henry Bracon. In the process of chemical experiments, he discovered a substance that could not be dissolved in sulfuric acid. And two years later, chitin was extracted from the shells of the tarantula. At the same time, the term "chitin" was proposed by the French scientist Odier, who studied the substance using the outer shells (external skeleton) of insects.
Beneficial features chitin and its effect on the body
Based on the materials of some medical studies, conclusions were drawn about the benefits of chitin for the human body. Chitin is used for hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, as an immunomodulatory substance that prevents early aging of the body. As well as fiber, chitin improves the functioning of the intestines, facilitating the evacuation of contents, cleanses the intestinal villi well. Cleans blood vessels from bad cholesterol.
The latest medical research indicates the benefits of chitin in the prevention and treatment of many cancers.
Products with the maximum content of chitin
Indicated approximate amount (g) per 100 g of product
- Gladius squid 35
- Lobsters 8
- Milk mushrooms 3.7
- Crayfish 35
- Snow white mushroom 6.7
- Antarctic krill 3
- Crabs (shell) 32.4
- Gamarus 6.2
- Russula 3
- Mokhovik (Polish mushroom) 15.7
- Japanese mushroom 5
- Champignons 2
- Shrimps 9.7
- Ryzhiky 5
- Baker's yeast 2
Daily requirement for chitin
Consumption of more than 3000 mg per day can lead to problems with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is desirable to observe the golden mean in the use of any nutritional components.
The need for chitin is increasing:
- with excess body weight;
- violation of the metabolism of fats in the body;
- high levels of cholesterol in the blood;
- liver steatosis;
- with an excess of fat in the diet;
- frequent constipation;
- diabetes mellitus;
- allergies and intoxication of the body.
The need for chitin is reduced:
- with excessive gas formation;
- dysbacteriosis;
- gastritis, pancreatitis and other inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chitin digestibility
Chitin is a solid transparent substance that is not digested in the human body. Like cellulose, chitin improves the motility of the gastrointestinal tract, and also has other beneficial properties for the body.
Interaction with other elements
Chitin interacts with polysaccharides, proteins. It is insoluble in water and other organic solvents, although it is able to retain moisture in the body. When heated, interacting with some salts, it hydrolyzes, that is, it is destroyed. It reduces the absorption of chlorine ions into the circulatory system, thereby correcting the water-salt balance in the body.
Signs of a lack of chitin in the body:
- obesity, overweight;
- sluggish work of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT);
- unpleasant body odor (excess of toxins and toxins);
- frequent allergic diseases;
- problems with cartilage and joints.
Signs of excess chitin in the body:
- disturbances in the work of the stomach (nausea);
- flatulence, bloating;
- discomfort in the pancreas;
- allergic reactions to chitin.
Factors affecting the content of chitin in the body
The human body does not produce chitin on its own, so its content in the body depends entirely on the presence in the diet. Based on this, it follows that if you want to be healthy, you need regular use of chitin in the form of its monomer - chitosan.
Chitin for beauty and health
Recently, cosmetologists have been writing more and more often about the positive effect found from the use of medical and cosmetic products with chitin. It is added to shampoos to increase the volume and elasticity of hair, used in lotions, added to creams, shower gels, and personal care products (gel toothpastes). It is included in various styling sprays and varnishes.
Chitin is used as a biologically active additive in the diet to improve skin elasticity, as an anti-inflammatory and moisturizer. Creates a protective film on the skin and hair, thereby facilitating the combing process, prevents skin moisture loss and brittle nails.
Argentine scientists have identified the peculiarity of chitin as an assistant regenerator for the speedy healing of the skin in case of damage. In addition, chitin is transformed by heating into a new water-soluble substance, chitosan, which is part of anti-aging cosmetics. Thanks to anti-aging cosmetics, the skin smoothes faster, wrinkles become less noticeable. The skin acquires a fresher and younger look, due to the property of chitin to relieve spasm of the smallest capillaries of the skin.
As for the benefits of chitin for the harmony of your figure, it is obvious. Chitosan is also called animal fiber, which binds and removes excess fats in the body, helps with overeating, increases the number of bifidobacteria in the intestines and gently helps to reduce excess weight. In addition, it is responsible for the adsorption of pollutants, after the evacuation of which, our body feels light and free.
Chitin diet
The chitin diet is based on the use of products, which include this very chitin. But this does not mean at all that you will have to eat beetles or fried grasshoppers throughout the diet, because this substance is also found in many seasonings.
The chitinous diet belongs to the category of low-calorie diets. The fact is that foods rich in chitin contain a small amount of fat, for example, 100 g of grasshoppers contain 20.6% proteins and only 6.1% fat, while 100 g of beef contains about the same amount of proteins, and 2-3 times more fat. It is difficult to get enough of insects, but if you cook them correctly, you can get various dietary dishes that will help you lose weight.
Chitin and photography
In photographic processes associated with rapid image development, such important characteristics of chitosan as its film-forming properties, behavior in systems containing gelatin and silver complexes, ensuring the absence of transverse (in film layers) diffusion of the dye, and optical characteristics of the polymer are used.
Modern research
And today, research on chitosan and chitin continues. In Russia, scientists who are members of the Russian Chitin Society, established in 2000, are engaged in them. It includes not only those researchers who directly study these substances, but also representatives of other fields of science, as well as agriculture, medicine and industry. The best chitinologists in the West are awarded a special Braconn Prize. It got its name in honor of Braconno, who was the discoverer of chitin. In our country, such an award is named after Pavel Shorygin. This academician is a chitin research enthusiast.
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Chitin (C 8 H 13 NO 5) n (fr. chitine, from other Greek. χιτών: chiton - clothing, skin, shell) - a natural compound from the group of nitrogen-containing polysaccharides.
The main component of the exoskeleton (cuticle) of arthropods and a number of other invertebrates, is part of the cell wall of fungi and bacteria.
In 1821, the Frenchman Henri Braconnot, director of the Botanical Gardens in Nancy, discovered a substance in mushrooms that was insoluble in sulfuric acid. He called him fungin. Pure chitin was first isolated from the outer shells of tarantulas. The term was proposed by the French scientist A. Odier, who studied the outer cover of insects, in 1823.
Chitin is one of the most common polysaccharides in nature - about 10 gigatonnes of chitin are formed and decomposed every year on Earth in living organisms.
· Carries out protective and supporting functions, providing rigidity of cages - contains in cellular walls of mushrooms.
The main component of the arthropod exoskeleton.
Also, chitin is formed in the organisms of many other animals - a variety of worms, coelenterates, etc.
In all organisms that produce and use chitin, it is not in its pure form, but in a complex with other polysaccharides, and is very often associated with proteins. Despite the fact that chitin is a substance very similar in structure, physicochemical properties and biological role to cellulose, chitin has not been found in cellulose-forming organisms (plants, some bacteria).
Chitin hard translucent.
Chemistry of chitin
In their natural form, chitins of different organisms differ somewhat from each other in composition and properties.
Chitin is insoluble in water, resistant to dilute acids, alkalis, alcohol and other organic solvents. Soluble in concentrated solutions of some salts (zinc chloride, lithium thiocyanate, calcium salts) and in ionic liquids.
When heated with concentrated solutions of mineral acids, it is destroyed (hydrolyzed).
Chitin is a nitrogen-containing polysaccharide (aminopolysaccharide).
Structural polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose) in the cell walls of plants form extended chains, which, in turn, fit into strong fibers or plates and serve as a kind of frame in a living organism. The most common biopolymer in the world is the structural polysaccharide of plants - cellulose. Chitin is the second most abundant structural polysaccharide after cellulose.. By chemical structure, physicochemical properties and functions performed, chitin is close to cellulose. Chitin is an analogue of cellulose in the animal kingdom.
In living organisms in nature, only chitin can be formed, and chitosan is a derivative of chitin. Chitosan is obtained from chitin by deacetylation with alkalis. Deacetylation is the reverse reaction of acetylation, i.e. substitution of a hydrogen atom for the acetyl group CH 3 CO.
Raw sources of chitin and chitosan
Chitin is a supporting component:
· cell tissue of most fungi and some algae;
· outer shell of arthropods(cuticle in insects, shell in crustaceans) and worms;
· some organs of molluscs.
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In insects and crustaceans, fungal cells and diatoms chitin in combination with minerals, proteins and melamines forms the external skeleton and internal support structures.
Melanins determine the color of integuments and their derivatives (hair, feathers, scales) in vertebrates, cuticles in insects, peels of some fruits, etc.
Potential sources of chitin are diverse and widespread in nature. The total reproduction of chitin in the world's oceans is estimated at 2.3 billion tons per year, which can provide a global production potential of 150-200 thousand tons of chitin per year.
The shells of commercial crustaceans are the most accessible for industrial development and a large-scale source of obtaining chitin. It is also possible to use gladius (skeletal plate) of squid, cuttlefish sepion, biomass of micellar and higher fungi. Domesticated and farmable insects, due to their rapid reproduction, can provide a significant biomass containing chitin. Such insects include silkworms, honey bees and house flies. In Russia, a massive source of chitin-containing raw materials is the king crab and snow crab, the annual catch of which is Far East is up to 80 thousand tons, as well as the salmon-tailed shrimp in the Barents Sea.
It is known that crustacean shells are quite expensive raw materials, and despite the fact that more than 15 methods have been developed for obtaining chitin from them, the question was raised about obtaining chitin and chitosan from other sources, among which small crustaceans and insects were considered.
Due to the wide distribution of beekeeping in our country, it is possible to obtain chitinous raw materials (dead bees) on a significant scale. As of 2004 in Russian Federation in all categories of farms there are 3.29 million bee colonies. The strength of the bee family (the mass of worker bees in the bee family, measured in kg) is on average 3.5-4 kg. In the summer, during the period of active honey collection and in the spring after wintering, the bee colony is updated by almost 60-80%. Thus, the annual raw material base of dead bees can be from 6 to 10 thousand tons, which makes it possible to consider dead bees as a new promising source of insect chitosan along with traditional types of raw materials.
Chitin, which is part of the shell of crustaceans, forms a fibrous structure. In crustaceans, immediately after molting, the shell is soft, elastic, consisting only of a chitin-protein complex, but over time it hardens due to the mineralization of the structure mainly with calcium carbonate. Thus, the shell of crustaceans is built from three main elements - chitin, which plays the role of a frame, a mineral part that gives the shell the necessary strength, and proteins that make it a living tissue. The composition of the shell also includes lipids, melanins and other pigments.
The advantage of dead bees is the minimum content of mineral substances, since the cuticle of insects is practically not mineralized. In this regard, there is no need to carry out a complex demineralization procedure.
Physicochemical characteristics and application of chitin and chitosan
Chitin and its deacetylated derivative chitosan have attracted the attention of a wide range of researchers and practitioners due to a complex of chemical, physicochemical and biological properties and an unlimited reproducible raw material base. The polysaccharide nature of these polymers determines their affinity for living organisms, and the presence of reactive functional groups (hydroxyl groups, amino group) provides the possibility of a variety of chemical modifications that enhance their inherent properties or impart new ones in accordance with the requirements.
Interest in chitin and chitosan is associated with their unique physiological and environmental properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradation (complete decomposition under the action of natural microorganisms), physiological activity in the absence of toxicity, the ability to selectively bind heavy metals and organic compounds, the ability to form fiber and film, and others
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The process of obtaining chitin consists in removing the last mineral salts, proteins, lipids, pigments from the raw material; therefore, the quality of chitin and chitosan depends largely on the method and degree of removal of these substances, as well as on the conditions for the deacetylation reaction. The requirements for the properties of chitin and chitosan are determined by the areas of their practical use, which are very diverse. In Russia, as in other countries, there is no single standard, but there is a division into chitin and chitosan technical, industrial, food and medical.
directions of their application of chitin and chitosan:
· nuclear industry: for localization of radioactivity and concentration of radioactive waste;
medicine: as suture materials, wound and burn healing dressings. As part of ointments, various medicinal preparations, such as enterosorbent;
· Agriculture: for the production of fertilizers, protection of seeds and crops;
· textile industry: when sizing and anti-shrink or water-repellent treatment of fabrics;
· paper and photographic industry: for the production of high-quality and special grades of paper, as well as for improving the properties of photographic materials;
· in the food industry, it acts as a preservative, clarifier for juices and wines, dietary fiber, emulsifier;
· as a food additive shows unique results as an enterosorbent;
· in perfumery and cosmetics it is a part of moisturizing creams, lotions, gels, hairsprays, shampoos;
· in water treatment it serves as a sorbent and flocculant.
Chitin is insoluble in water, solutions of organic acids, alkalis, alcohols and other organic solvents. It is soluble in concentrated solutions of hydrochloric, sulfuric and formic acids, as well as in some salt solutions when heated, but when dissolved it depolymerizes markedly. In a mixture of dimethylacetamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and lithium chloride, chitin dissolves without destroying the polymer structure. Low solubility makes it difficult to process and use chitin.
Also important important properties of chitosan are hygroscopicity, sorption properties, swelling ability. Due to the fact that the chitosan molecule contains many hydroxyl, amine and other extreme groups, its hygroscopicity is very high (2-5 molecules per one monomer unit, which is located in the amorphous regions of polymers). According to this indicator, chitosan is second only to glycerin and surpasses polyethylene glycol and kalleriol (high polymer alcohol from pear). Chitosan swells well and firmly retains the solvent in its structure, as well as the substances dissolved and suspended in it. Therefore, in the dissolved form, chitosan has much greater sorption properties than in the undissolved form.
Chitosan can be biodegraded by chitinase and lysozyme. Chitinases are enzymes that catalyze the decomposition of chitin. They are produced in organisms of animals containing chitin. Lysozyme produced in the body of animals and humans. Lysozyme- wall-breaking enzyme bacterial cell resulting in its dissolution. Creates an antibacterial barrier in places of contact with the external environment. Contained in saliva, tears, nasal mucosa. Products made of chitosan completely decomposing under the action of natural microorganisms do not pollute the environment.