Chitin
Chitin is a polysaccharide made up of glucose monomers (N-acetylglucosamine residues), or monosaccharides which form bonds between each other as long-chains, giving it strength.
It is second only to cellulose as an abundant organic compound in nature, where in combination with a variety of proteins it forms the structural component of fungi cell walls (mycelium), arthropod exoskeletons, fish scales and mollusc shells. In harder substances such as clam shells it combines with calcium carbonate, but can also form solid but more flexible structures with certain proteins, as in the wings of insects.
Chitin has been used in the food industry as an antimicrobial, in medicine as a prebiotic for gut health to reduce inflammation and is used in anti cancer drugs. It is also used in burn medications, as radiation protection and in soluble surgical sutures. Mycelium, which relies on chitin, is being used to produce a number of buildings materials such as insulation, sheet materials and structural elements, because of its natural strength and as a fire retardant.
'Martian biolith' published in 2020 (Shiwei N, Dritsas S, Fernandez JG) builds a strong case for chitin to be used as the main building material for any future inhabitants of Mars, as it can be grown and used on site with minimal energy inputs to create habitable structures and materials.
[edit] Related articles on Building Design
Featured articles and news
Future proofing homes that are fit for purpose
Specification challenges and the role of plastic.
Thousands of new homes unlocked for brownfield sites
£68 million to 54 councils for neglected land into new homes.
Roof terraces and higher-risk buildings
Context, review, interpretation, case and guidance..
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Architecture in Britain and Ireland, 1530 - 1830
Steven Brindle’s book is required reading.
Employment Rights Bill; making work pay
‘Biggest uplift in employment rights law since the 1970s’
Battle for Mill Road Free Library
Years of failures by the county and city councils.
The accolades that demonstrate and recognise outstanding achievement.
What is the Conference of the Parties ?
The who, where, what and when before no 29.
CIOB signs up to Green Skills At COP campaign
In preparation for COP29 on 11 November in Azerbaijan.
2024 ECA Industry Awards evening
Full list of electrical contractors scooping top prizes.
Briefing on the implications of the final Grenfell inquiry report
What it means for Architectural Technology professionals.
CIOB Art of Building photo contest 2024
International showcase for the very best photography of the built environment.
Celebrating architecture's eloquent champions.
Unusual perspectives on 1960s’ thinking.