Isolation and characterization of 3D chitin from a mite species Trachytes pauperior (Parasitiformes: Uropodina)

Abstract

Chitin is the most abundant structural biopolymer after cellulose in terrestrial ecosystems. Until now, chitin isolation in powder or granule form has been carried out from many macro living groups (Arthropoda, Crustacea, Mollusca etc.). However, studies on chitin characterization of microscopic organisms have remained limited. In this study, three dimensional (3D) chitin extraction was performed for the first time from Trachytes pauperior (Berlese), a mite species. The obtained chitin was observed by light microscopy and characterized by FT-IR, and SEM analysis. Our findings suggest that chitin, which was obtained in high purity and constitutes a large part of the organism's body structure, could be a potential source for future studies.