Optimization and characterization of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii

Abstract

Chitosan is a non-toxic, biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer comprising of (1,4)-linked amino-deoxy-β-D-glucan. The unique characteristics of biodegradability and non-toxicity led to versatile application of this biopolymers in various fields. The aim of this study was to identify factors which could optimize the yields and physicochemical characteristics of chitosan extracted from Mucor rouxii using different incubation period and temperature. Three combinations of incubation temperatures (98°C, 110°C and 121°C) and three incubation periods (15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes) were used in the alkaline treatment and the extracted chitosan were analysed for the dry weight, molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Results shown that incubation temperature had a significant effect on the yield of chitosan (p<0.05). Kruskal-Wallis test shown that, different incubation temperatures and periods had no significant effects on the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation (p>0.05).