Chitin is the main component of the exoskeleton of insects, spiders and crustaceans and ensures, for example, that insect carapaces are both robust and flexible. Our research group led by Prof. Sabine Laschat at the University of Stuttgart wants to develop materials from chitin and its derivatives in a water-based process that are suitable for special applications in the construction industry, where they should sustainably reduce energy consumption.

The chitin fluid research project is supported by funding of more than 1.9 million euro from the Carl Zeiss Foundation under its "Perspectives" funding line.