Isolation and characterization chitin from ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda

In Arthropoda branches covering the outer surface of the body, located in the cell walls of fungus and coral, chitin which is participating the body structure in living creatures like nematode and diatome is the most present biopolymer in nature after cellulose. Chitin and derivatives which are isolated from different sources are used in pretty much spaces such as medicine, agriculture, cosmetics, and water purification. In this study, from Ustilago maydis fungus which causes of disease corn smut disease in corns is chitin isolated. In isolation to remove acids 4 M HCl and in order to remove proteins 2 M NaOH solution had been used. 11% of chitin from the dry weight of U. maydis (DC.) Corda has determined. Isolated chitin has been characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and SEM techniques. In FTIR analysis at 1656 cm-1, 1651 cm-1 and 1557 cm-1 observed three isolated chitin has shown in the character of alpha chitin. In TGA analysis, in proportion to 5.86% within the range of 0-150 °C, and in proportion to % 50.64 in the range of 331.7°C two mass loss was observed. In the XRD analysis results of alpha chitin, crystal index has been calculated as %74. SEM shots has a flat surface and illustrate that there are no structures of fiber and por. As a result, these living creature which is living as parasites on corn and economically harmful has been provided as a multi-purposed use of technological product. With this study, it has shown that parasitic fungus could be used as an alternative source of chitin and derivatives.