Preparation and properties of chitin and chitosan from a hydroid polyp

The chemical composition of Obelia longissima hydroid polyp from mariculture system fouling community was examined. Conditions for chitin recovery and chitosan preparation thereof were developed. The initial raw material, chitin, and chitosan were characterized by electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Also, certain qualitative characteristics of these materials were determined.