Preparation of Nanochitin from Crickets and Comparison with That from Crab Shells

The study investigated crickets as a new source of chitin, comparing it to traditional crab shells. Cricket-derived nanochitin had a 2.6% yield and showed superior properties, such as higher transmittance, lower viscosity, and greater mechanical strength, due to its smaller hydrodynamic diameter and higher degree of deacetylation. It exhibited a thicker, shorter needle-like structure and higher crystallinity. The cricket nanochitin's larger specific surface area and stability in aqueous dispersions suggested it could be more advantageous for commercial use, offering a sustainable alternative to crab shells amidst declining availability and rising demand for sustainable protein sources.