Isolation and characterization of chitin from Millipede (Spirobolida)

Abstract Background Chitin is the second most abundant bio-polysaccharide found in nature after cellulose. It is a polymer of β-1, 4-N-acetylglucosamine that occurs naturally in three polymorphic forms α, β, and γ-chitin. The main commercial sources of chitin are crab and shrimp shells which are the major waste products from the seafood industry. The main aim of the current work was to isolate chitin from a local variety of Millipede (Spirobolida), which is abundantly found in Western Ghat region of Karnataka during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Methods The millipedes were collected during the monsoon season from Western Ghat region and washed with distilled water. The shells were extracted from Millipede by incinerating the sample to remove other organic matter. The chitin was extraction from the shell by demineralization and deproteinization. Results Chitin was extracted and analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. The yield of chitin was found to be 35.7%. This is a good yield percentage compared to that of the chitin obtained from conventional sources. Conclusions The chitin thus obtained can be employed for preparing chitosan linked nanoparticles for various applications. Hence, our studies illustrate that Millipedes can also be used as a source for large-scale extraction of chitin.