Synthesis of chitosan from chitin of escargot (Achatina fulica)

Abstract

Chitosan has been made from chitin that was deacetylated from escargot (Achatina fulica). The purification of chitin was done by deproteination, demineralization, and depigmentation. Identification of chitin and chitosan was done by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) and XRD (X-Ray Diffraction). Characterization of chitosan was determined by water and mineral content, molecular weight, polymerization degree and degree of deacetylation. The result of research was obtained chitosan 6,95%, crystal, white brownish color, odorless, 3,26±0,45% water content, 10,11±0,38% mineral content, 889,78 molecular weight average with degree of polymerization 5 and degree of deacetylation 74,78-77,99%.