Identification of Chitin Allomorphs in Poorly Crystalline Samples Based on the Complexation with Ethylenediamine

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00714
• Publication Date: 2022-09-09T23:41:36Z
• Authors: Noriyuki Isobe; Yuto Kaku; Satoshi Okada; Sachiko Kawada; Keiko Tanaka; Yoshihiro Fujiwara; Ryota Nakajima; Dass Bissessur; Chong Chen
• Keywords: Allomorph

Chitin is a key component of hard parts in many organisms, but the biosynthesis two distinctive chitin allomorphs, α- and β-chitin, not well understood. The accurate determination allomorphs natural biomaterials vital. Many chitin-secreting living however, produce poorly crystalline chitin. This leads to spectrums with only broad lines imprecise peak positions under conventional analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance resulting inconclusive identification allomorphs. Here, we developed novel method for discerning based on their different complexation capacity guest selectivity, using ethylenediamine (EDA) complexing agent. From shift observed XRD profiles chitin/EDA complex, can be clearly discerned. By testing this series samples crystallinity, show that sensitivity sufficiently high detect even near-amorphous, very samples. powerful tool determining phylogenetically important chitin-producing organisms will pave way clarifying evolution mechanism biosynthesis.