Extraction of Chitosan from <i>L. squarrosulus</i> (Mushroom) and <i>C. africana</i> (Shrimp) Based and Production of Film Polymer

Abstract

The deacetylated form of chitin presents enormous areas of application. The research work was aimed at the production of polymer film by the extraction of chitosan from Lentinus squarrosulus (mushroom) and Caridina africana (shrimp) using a chemical process involving deproteinisation, demineralisation, and deacetylation. The two samples were thoroughly washed with distilled water to remove impurities, then dried at room temperature for three days. The mushroom was grounded to powder, deproteinised at varying concentrations (1, 2, 3, and 4 M) and temperatures (60, 80, and 100 °C). The emanating products were now demineralised and deacetylated at 3 M and 60 °C. Biuret test analysis was carried out on 3 M, 60 °C and 4 M, 100 °C of L. squarrosulus chitosan and C. africana with the later showing a clearer positive result for the application. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of chitosan composite films of C. africana and gelatinous composition (CS30: G70, CS50: G50, and CS70: G30) plasticised with glycerol were studied. The chitosan composite films, L. squarrosulus (3 M, 60 °C), and C. africana were characterised by FT-IR. The FTIR spectra showed the functional groups associated with the various bands, intensities, and stretching established that the samples were chitosan. The results of the flexibility and refractive index analysis indicated that the higher chitosan films were more flexible and refractive, finding a much greater application in the manufacture of lenses of higher magnification. The FTIR spectra of the compact films of the homogeneous structure showed that there was a reaction in C. africana chitosan. The SEM analysis of chitosan in C. africana showed morphological differences of ×300, ×500, ×1000, and ×1500.