Chitin oligomers and monomers production by coupling γ radiation and enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract The main purpose of this study was the chitin enzymatic hydrolysis enhancement by a pretreatment, consisting of chitin exposure to gamma radiation at several doses, ranging from 15 kGy to 210 kGy. The solid chitin molecular weight reduction achieved by Co-60 gamma rays treatment reached a 90% rate at the t used, with a dose of 210 kGy. The partial depolymerization of chitin was realized by irradiation allowing an enzyme affinity increase toward this substrate. The monomers and oligomers obtained from their radiated chitin production rate were almost 100%. It was also demonstrated that the NAG production by enzymatic hydrolysis of irradiated chitin at 210 Gy follows Michaelis–Menton kinetics.