FUNGAL DERIVED CHITOSAN/ CELLULOSE NANOCRYSTALLINE BIOCOMPOSITES: ENHANCING WATER RESISTANCE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Chitosan, a natural polymeric material, is widely used in packaging applications as it is good in barrier, optical, and mechanical properties. Traditionally, crustacean shells serve as the primary source for chitosan production using intensive acid and alkali treatments during its production. Furthermore, the commercial viability of chitosan production is hindered by fluctuations in both the quantity and quality of available crustacean shell waste, as well as the seasonal availability of this substrate, which can impact chitosan yield. In the current study, Agaricus bisporus fungal mushroom was used as a source for chitosan extraction. Fungal-derived chitosan (FCH) and cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) biocomposite films were prepared and characterized using tensile test, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, the tensile strength and the water resistance of fungal derived chitosan is relatively lower compared to crustacean based chitosan. Therefore, the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC) has successfully improved approximately 90% of the tensile strength using 4 wt% of CNC content.  The water resistance of the composite has increased after the addition of CNC. Upon the findings, FTIR analysis confirms the presence of fungal chitosan’s functional group. The FTIR spectra also showed the functional group of CNC in the composites. The micrograph of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) also indicated the good interfacial adhesion between composites film at 4 wt% NCC content. Therefore, the enhanced fungal derived chitosan (FCH) biocomposites could serve as suitable materials in food packaging.