Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Extraction of High Molecular Weight Genomic DNA from Soils and Sediments
Published on: November 10, 2009
Sustainable co-solvent induced one step extraction of low molecular weight chitin with high purity from raw lobster
Shu Hong1, Qiuru Yang1, Yang Yuan1
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037, China.
Abstract:
The co-solvent prepared from glycerol and hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used for producing low molecular weight chitin from lobster shell. Different reaction temperature, time and acid concentration were studied. The results suggested that the effect of reaction temperature and acid concentration on molecular weight of chitin is most remarkable. The physicochemical properties of chitins were intact during co-solvent treatment. At least 5% HCl was necessary for demineralization and deproteinization. Low molecular weight chitin could be obtained by increasing reaction temperature, acid concentration and prolonging time. The optimized condition for production low molecular weight chitin was at 120 °C for 2 h with acid concentration of 7% (55 kDa) or at 150 °C for 2 h with acid concentration of 5% (57 kDa). This method provides a fast strategy to obtain low molecular weight chitin with high purity from lobster shell.
Related Concept Videos
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution
Sustainable Development
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins
Solvents
A...

