Abstract

GUERREO ALVAREZ, Doria Edith  and  BAENA, Luz Marina. Physicochemical characterization and morphological properties of chitin and chitosan from Bombyx mori L. Hybrid Pílamo 1. Acta Agron. [online]. 2022, vol.71, n.1, pp.29-38.  Epub Apr 25, 2024. ISSN 0120-2812.  https://doi.org/10.15446/acag.v71n1.100854.

The use of biomaterials such as chitin and chitosan has been increasing in recent years, and with these, their biotechnological applications. An alternative source of obtaining them are insects, including Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). In this research, chitin and chitosan were obtained and characterized from Bombyx mori L. Hybrid Pílamo 1 that is produced in the department of Risaralda, Colombia. Biomaterials were extracted with 10 % NaOH and 1N HCl, and characterized by infrared (IR-TF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-disperse x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The chitin content in the chrysalis was 2.1 % on a dry basis. In the IR spectrum of chitin, the characteristic signals were found at 1618 cm-1 and 1655 cm-1, corresponding to C-N stretching and C=O vibration of amide I, respectively, at 1545 cm-1 of N-H stretching of amine II, and at 3256 cm-1 of the NH2 and OH groups. The IR spectrum of chitosan showed deacetylation for the signals at 1590 cm-1 and 1654 cm-1, presenting a higher intensity than chitin due to the increase in NH2 groups. The acetylation for chitin was 61.83 % and for chitosan, 12.37 %. This result is of great importance considering its relationship with solubility. Microscopies showed different surface morphologies that may be due to the source of production, extraction method and/or degree of deacetylation. The main characteristics of chitin and chitosan obtained coincide with previous studies reported for other silkworm breeds. However, it is necessary to continue the investigation, to establish if it is possible to use the Bombyx mori L. Hybrid Pílamo 1 as a promising source of these biomaterials available in the region of these biomaterials.

Keywords : biomaterials; chitin; chitosan; Bombyx mori.

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