Title of the Thesis: “Optimization of Chemical Chitin Extraction and Development of Chitosan/Chitin Nanocrystal Hydrogels”

Crustacean shells contain chitin, a polysaccharide with many potential applications. The shells of the American lobster (Homarus americanus) are considered to be a waste material but could instead be valorized for the chitin contained within, incorporating lobster shell waste into a circular bioeconomy. The first section of this presentation describes the development of a set of optimized conditions for the chemical extraction of chitin from lobster shells. The chitin is then converted into chitin nanocrystals, which are subsequently incorporated into hydrogels otherwise composed of chitosan, a chitin derivative with antimicrobial properties. The second section of this presentation compares the mechanical and drug release properties of chitosan hydrogels containing varying masses of chitin nanocrystals. The aim of this research is to identify a potential candidate for future work toward a biomaterial for the treatment of brain cancer.

June 4, 2026, 9:00 am via Web Conference

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME