Preparation of nanocrystals and chitin microfibrils

Chitin nanocrystals and microfibrils were prepared based on the strong acid hydrolysis method. The change in the molecular structure was studied by Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The surface morphology of chitin materials was observed using scanning electron and optical microscopy. The separation of nano-crystals and microfibril crystalline regions from native chitin may increase the scope of its application for the creation of bioactive composites and scaffolds for tissue culture. As a result of the conducted experimental work, it was possible to loosen the amorphous areas and partially separate nano-crystals and chitin microfibrils. Stable aqueous suspensions of chitin nano-crystals and microfibrils were obtained, which can be used for further experimental work.