Chitin is one of the most abundant natural biopolymers and naturally occurring polysaccharide without amino sugars in the world. Chitosan is an off-white, fine, and odorless powder that is derived from crab and shrimp shells. 

Chitin is the second most abundant natural biopolymer in the world, behind only cellulose. It is also the most abundant naturally occurring polysaccharide that contains amino sugars. Chitin occurs as a component of crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, fungal cell walls, microfauna and plankton. Chitosan is obtained by de-acetylation of chitin.