Chitin is the organic substance most abundant in nature after cellulose. It is obtained by isolating chitin from; proteins, minerals and lipid pigments (carotenoids), through the processes of deproteinization and demineralization. 

Chitin is an insoluble material in the most common organic solvents, although there have been cases of application in modified form of its solid state as material to make absorbent fibers sutures and bandages.