Characterization of Polymeric Biomaterial Chitosan Extracted from Rhizopus stolonifer

By : Weslley De Souza Paiva, Francisco Ernesto De Souza Neto, Anabelle Camarotti De Lima Batista

Page No: 115-121

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to obtain fungi producing chitosan from soil samples, the extraction of this biopolymer and its characterization as well. Ten soil samples were collected. The fungi collected were isolated and the best chitosan producer was selected. Chitosan with 84% degree of deacetylation and angle θ = 9° and 20° were obtained from Rhizopus stolonifer, obtaining 16,73 mg/g of chitosan. This result determined the structural identity of the chitosan. In addition to these analyzes, measurements of the zeta potential were performed, which demonstrated a stability of the biopolymer. Besides that, an ion analysis showed low concentrations of Na+, K+ , Ca2+. These results suggest that it is possible to obtain chitosan from edaphic fungi and that this biomaterial is of good quality with potential for application in different areas.

Authors :
Weslley De Souza Paiva and Francisco Ernesto De Souza Neto : Students of the Post-Graduation Program in Material Science and Engeneering, Federal Rural University of Semi Arid – UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil  
Anabelle Camarotti De Lima Batista : Professor of the Post-Graduation Program in Material Science and Engeneering, Federal Rural University of Semi Arid – UFERSA, Mossoró, RN, Brazil