Fungal chitosan production and its characterization

Aims: The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the chitosans produced by several species of fungi. Methods and Results: Representatives of four species of filamentous fungi, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, Lentinus edodes and Pleurotus sajo-caju, and two yeast strains, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii TISTR5058 and Candida albicans TISTR5239, were investigated for their ability to produce chitosan in complex media. Fungal chitosan was produced at 10-140 mg g(-1) cell dry weight, had a degree of deacetylation of 84-90% and a molecular weight of 2.7 x 10(4)-1.9 x 10(5) Da with a viscosity of 3.1-6.2 centipoises (cP). Conclusions: Rhizopus oryzae TISTR3189 was found to be the producer of the highest amounts of chitosan. Significance and Impact of the Study: Commercial chitosan could be obtained from Rhizopus mycelia and would have potential applications for medical and agricultural uses.