Quantification and characterization of insoluble chitinous materials in viscous chitosan solutions.

Insoluble chitinous materials in highly viscous chitosan solutions can be quantified using the viscosity-lowering action of transglucosidase (EC 2.4.1.24). In chitosan, commonly produced by high temperature deacetylation (90 degrees C), between 70-90% of insoluble chitinous materials were recovered by this enzymatic method whereas only 25% recovery was obtained by the nitrous acid method. The insoluble material recovered after enzyme treatment had a higher degree of deacetylation and a lower degree of crystallization than that after nitrous acid treatment. The results are explained by difference in penetration by enzyme and nitrous acid into the insoluble particle.