On the influence of deacetylation process on the physicochemical characteristics of chitosan from squid chitin

Chitin was extracted from squid pens and the used conditions allow to obtain a completely N-acetylated beta-chitin with a molecular weight large enough for the obtention of chitosans of high molecular weight. Deacetylation, leading to the obtention of chitosan, was performed according to two processes (Kurita and Broussignac conditions) and the physicochemical characteristics (degree of acetylation and molecular weight) of the obtained chitosans were compared. The influence of the reaction conditions (temperature, repetition of alkaline steps, etc.) is discussed in relation with the physicochemical characteristics of the chitosan, This will allow one to choose the best process for preparing chitosan so that it is suitable for its end use. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.