Fungal and Microalgal Chitin: Structural Differences, Functional Properties, and Biomedical Applications

Chitin, one of the most abundant natural polysaccharides, has gained increasing attention for its structural diversity and potential in biomedicine, agriculture, food packaging, and advanced materials. Conventional chitin production from crustacean shell waste faces limitations, including seasonal availability, allergenic protein contamination, heavy metal residues, and environmentally harmful demineralization processes. Chitin from fungi and microalgae provides a sustainable and chemically versatile alternative. Fungal chitin, generally present in the α-polymorph, is embedded in a chitin-glucan-protein matrix that ensures high crystallinity, mechanical stability, and compatibility for biomedical applications. Microalgal β-chitin, particularly from diatoms, is secreted as high-aspect-ratio microrods and nanofibrils with parallel chain packing, providing enhanced reactivity and structural integrity that are highly attractive for functional materials. Recent progress in green extraction technologies, including enzymatic treatments, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, enables the recovery of chitin with reduced environmental burden while preserving its native morphology. By integrating sustainable sources with environmentally friendly processing methods, fungal and microalgal chitin offer unique structural polymorphs and tunable properties, positioning them as a promising alternative to crustacean-derived chitin.