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Published on: February 27, 2021
Determination of chitosan content with ratio coefficient method and HPLC
Qin Miao1, Yulin Cui1, Jingjing Zhang1
1Key Laboratory of Coastal Biology and Bioresource Utilization, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China; Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
This study quantifies chitosan using acid hydrolysis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). It introduces ratio coefficients (γ) based on hydrolysis rates (α) and chitin standards (β) to accurately determine chitosan content, considering deacetylation degree.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biopolymers
- Materials Science
Background:
- Accurate quantification of chitosan is crucial across various scientific fields.
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a common method for chitosan determination, typically involving acid hydrolysis.
- The deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan influences its acid hydrolysis characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying average deacetylation degrees (DD) on chitosan acid hydrolysis.
- To develop a novel method for simple and accurate chitosan quantification.
- To establish a relationship between hydrolysis rates and chitosan content.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan samples with different average DDs were subjected to acid hydrolysis.
- Hydrolysis rates of chitosan (α) were determined.
- Ratio coefficients (γ) were calculated by combining hydrolysis rates (α) with chitin (β) standards.
- A table of γ values for specific average DD ranges was generated.
Main Results:
- The average deacetylation degree significantly affects chitosan acid hydrolysis.
- A method combining hydrolysis rates (α) and chitin standards (β) was successfully designed.
- Ratio coefficients (γ) were determined for different average DD ranges.
- The developed method allows for simple and accurate chitosan content determination.
Conclusions:
- The deacetylation degree is a critical factor in chitosan hydrolysis and quantification.
- The novel method utilizing ratio coefficients (γ) offers a simplified and accurate approach to determine chitosan content.
- This study provides a valuable tool for researchers and industries working with chitosan.

