Production and Characterization of Mushroom Chitosan under Solid-State Fermentation Conditions

Abstract

Chitosan was extracted from 15 days old biomass of Agaricus Sp, Pleurotus Sp and Ganoderma Sp. It was subjected to different alkaline and acid treatment in the extraction protocol. In both alkaline and acid treatment, the temperature, incubation period and concentration of acid or alkaline significantly affects the production and quality of the chitosan produced (P<0.05). The type of acid used was also important in the production of chitosan. Usage of hydrochloric acid in the extraction of chitosan gave a significantly higher degree of deacetylation (DD) compared to acetic acid. Employment of strong acid, high acid concentration and high temperature produced darker coloured chitosan whereas milder treatments gave lighter coloured chitosan.