The fundamental structural conditions for the biological macromolecules

chitin and its derivatives to form liquid crystalline phase are discussed.Some chemical modification methods necessary for preparation of chitin derivatives bearing liquid crystalline behaviors are briefly summarized.The studies on the liquid crystalline behaviors of chitin derivatives (mainly of chitosan and its derivatives) ever since 1982are reviewed.Fiber spinning from lyotropic liquid crystalline solutions of chitin and its derivatives and its prospects of application are introduced. And it is concluded that chitin and its derivatives have made up a novel family ofliquid crystalline biological macromolecules besides celluloses.