Mushroom Chitosan Bio-Packaging Revolution: Exploring the Superior Barrier Antimicrobial Properties of Mushroom Chitosan

Why is everybody talking about Chitosan?

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer made from extracting chitin from the cell walls of fungi, the shells of crustaceans and insects, and some forms of algae. Chitin is the structural component that gives mushrooms their rigidity and form. It holds them up. We like mushroom chitosan for any application where chitosan is being ingested by a living creature.

Origin and Abundance – more about chitin

• Chitin is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide in nature, after cellulose.
• Most fungi contain 5%-7% chitin in their cell walls.
• Chitin is also found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans (crabs, shrimp, lobsters), insects and algae.

Pronunciation Guide

• Chitin: Pronounced “KITE-in” (emphasis on “kite”)
• Deacetylation: Pronounced “dee-a-SETTLE-ay-shun” (emphasis on “dee”)
• Acetyl: Pronounced “A-see-tl” (emphasis on “see”)
• Chitosan: “Kite-O-San” (emphasis on “Kite”)

Chemical Structure and Properties

Chitosan is obtained through a process called deacetylation of chitin. This involves:

1. Removing acetyl groups (CH3OH) from the chitin molecule
2. Creating a polymer with free amine groups (NH2)

This chemical transformation gives chitosan its positive charge, differentiating it from its parent compound, chitin.

Solubility: Unlike chitin, chitosan is soluble in acidic to neutral solutions, making it more versatile for various applications. Our food grade mushroom chitosan oligosaccharide is soluble in water at any pH. It is bactericidal at pH 6.4 and below. To purchase wholesale, click HERE 

• • Biocompatibility and Biodegradability: Chitosan is known for its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. It’s non-toxic and can be broken down by natural biological processes.

Uses and Applications:

Chitosan, a versatile biopolymer derived from chitin, has found widespread applications across multiple industries due to its unique properties. This biodegradable and non-toxic compound offers a range of benefits in various sectors:

1. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Chitosan’s biocompatibility makes it invaluable in medical applications. It is used in wound healing products, drug delivery systems, and as a biomaterial in tissue engineering. Its ability to promote healing and control drug release has made it a popular choice in the pharmaceutical industry.
2. Environmental Protection: In water treatment, chitosan’s capacity to bind with heavy metals and other contaminants makes it an effective agent for purification processes. This property has led to its use in both industrial and municipal water treatment facilities.
3. Agriculture: Farmers and agronomists utilize chitosan as a natural biostimulant and elicitor. It enhances plant growth and boosts resistance against pathogens, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.
4. Food Industry: Chitosan serves multiple purposes in food production and preservation. It acts as an antimicrobial food additive and can be used to create edible films or coatings that extend the shelf life of perishable products.
5. Beverage Production: In the alcoholic beverage industry, chitosan is employed for clarification of wines, beers, and whiskeys, helping to improve their clarity and stability.
6. Dietary Supplements: The compound is also used in the production of dietary supplements, capitalizing on its potential health benefits.
7. Plastics Industry: Chitosan’s biodegradable nature makes it an attractive option for developing eco-friendly plastic alternatives.

The wide-ranging applications of chitosan stem from its unique combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. 

Variants:

• • Traditional Chitosan: Traditionally sourced from marine crustaceans, insect larvae, Aspergillus Niger
• • Mushroom Chitosan: Derived from fungal sources, offering an alternative for those seeking non-animal derived products

Chitosan’s versatility, biodegradability, and non-toxic nature make it a valuable material across various industries, from healthcare to cosmetics. Its ability to be derived from non-animal sources also makes it an appealing option for vegetarian and vegan-friendly products.

What are the advantages of Mushroom Chitosan?

Mushroom Chitosan is a type of chitosan derived from the cell walls of fungi. It can also be created from Mycelium. It has several advantages over traditional chitosan derived from shellfish, including:

• • 1. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Mushroom chitosan is an excellent alternative for individuals who avoid animal-based products, such as those who follow a vegan lifestyle.
• • 2. Allergen-free: Traditional chitosan is derived from shellfish, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Mushroom chitosan does not contain any shellfish-derived ingredients, making it an allergen-free option.
• • 3. Purer: Mushroom chitosan is often considered to be purer than traditional chitosan because it is derived from a single source, whereas traditional chitosan can be contaminated with other shellfish-related substances.
• • 4. Better solubility: Fungal chitosan is more soluble than traditional chitosan, which makes it easier to incorporate into a variety of applications such as cosmetics, bioplastics, wound care and food.
• • 5. Improved bioavailability: Some studies have suggested that mushroom chitosan has higher bioavailability compared to traditional chitosan, which means that it can be absorbed and utilized more effectively by the body.

Overall, mushroom chitosan offers several advantages over traditional chitosan, making it an attractive alternative for individuals and industries looking for a vegan, allergen-free, and more effective chitosan source.

What are the benefits & functions of chitosan in bio-packaging?

Chitosan, derived from sources like mushrooms or mycelium, offers a variety of benefits and functions in the field of bio-packaging. Here are some details:

1. Biodegradability: Chitosan is fully biodegradable, reducing pollution compared to conventional plastic packaging. The time is now to create new factories to make bioplastic from chitosan and hemp! Check out our article on bioplastics here.

2. Non-Toxicity: Derived from natural sources, chitosan is biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic and safe for use in food packaging. It poses no harm to consumers or the environment.

3. Antimicrobial Properties: Due to its positive charge, Chitosan has inherent antimicrobial properties that help extend packaged food’s shelf life. Through electrostatic action, chitosan inhibits the growth of bacteria. 

4. Barrier Properties: It provides excellent barrier properties against oxygen and oils, crucial for maintaining the quality and freshness of food products. 1

5. Compatibility with Other Materials: Chitosan can be easily combined with other biopolymers such as hemp, enhancing the mechanical and barrier properties of the resulting bio-packaging materials. 2

Functions of Chitosan in Bio-Packaging

1. Food Preservation: Utilizes its antimicrobial and antifungal properties to preserve the quality and extend the shelf life of perishable goods, such as fruits, vegetables, and meats. 3

2. Edible Coatings: Chitosan an be used to create edible films or coatings that directly adhere to the surface of food products, offering additional protection against spoilage and physical damage.

3. Measured Release of Additives: Chitosan films can be micelized to deliver functional additives like antioxidants, terpenes, esters, flavonoids, polyphenols, and nutrients, which can be released in a controlled manner to improve food quality and safety.

4. Water Vapor Barrier: Chitosan films can act as barriers to water vapor, helping to maintain the desired moisture content of food products such as bakery items, fruits and vegetables.

5. Environmental Impact Reduction: By replacing plastics with biocompatible, biodegradable chitosan-based materials, the environmental impact of packaging waste can be significantly reduced. 4

The use of chitosan in bio-packaging is a promising development in sustainable packaging solutions, offering both anti-microbial functional benefits and environmental advantages.

What are the common forms of chitosan in bio-packaging?

Chitosan, derived from fungal and shellfish sources, is utilized in bio-packaging in several common forms to enhance the functionality and sustainability of packaging materials.

The use of chitosan, particularly sourced from mushrooms, in various forms of bio-packaging often requires specific formulations to optimize properties like mechanical strength, barrier characteristics, and biodegradability.

Here are some of the primary forms in which chitosan is used, along with typical ratios and suitable applications and a guide to selecting suitable types and viscosities for various forms of packaging:

1. Films and Sheets: Thin films or sheets of chitosan can be formed by solvent casting techniques. These films are transparent and flexible, making them suitable for packaging a variety of goods, especially food products.
   • Ratio: Typically, chitosan is used in concentrations of 1% to 3% (w/v) when dissolved in an acidic solvent to form films and sheets.
   • Application: These are suitable for wrapping fresh produce, meats, and cheeses, providing a barrier against moisture and microbial growth.
   • Suitable chitosan type: Acid-soluble chitosan 20-100cps or chitosan hydrochloride are commonly used due to their good solubility and film-forming ability, allowing for smoother films with uniform thickness.

2. Coatings: Chitosan can be applied as a coating solution directly onto the surfaces of food items or onto other packaging materials. This application method enhances the barrier properties against gases and vapors and provides antimicrobial protection.
   • Ratio: Coating solutions generally contain chitosan in the range of 1% to 2% (w/v), often combined with plasticizers like glycerol to improve flexibility.
   • Application: Directly applied to fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life by reducing spoilage and retaining moisture.
   • Suitable chitosan type: Chitosan oligosaccharide and carboxymethyl chitosan are preferred for coatings because they are more soluble and provide better surface adherence.

3. Composites: Chitosan is often blended with other biopolymers such as alginate, starch, or cellulose to form composite materials. These composites can improve mechanical strength, barrier properties, and overall functionality of the packaging.
   • Ratio: Chitosan is blended with other materials at ratios that can vary widely depending on the desired properties, typically ranging from 1% to 2% chitosan by weight relative to other polymers.
   • Application: Used in more structurally demanding packaging solutions like trays and containers for food and electronic items, where additional mechanical strength is required.
   • Suitable chitosan type: Acid-soluble chitosan with higher viscosity chitosan (100-500 cps or 500-1000 cps) is often used due to its compatibility with other biopolymers and ability to form robust composites, it can be beneficial for composites as it contributes to the mechanical strength and structural integrity of the material.

4. Nanoparticles: Chitosan nanoparticles can be incorporated into bio-packaging to improve barrier properties against UV light and oxygen, or to deliver nutrients or antimicrobials in a controlled-release manner.
   • Ratio: Chitosan nanoparticles are usually prepared in concentrations of 0.1% to 1% (w/v), depending on the desired release properties and nanoparticle stability.
   • Application: Ideal for active packaging solutions where controlled release of antimicrobials, antioxidants, or other additives is required, such as in packaging for highly perishable goods.
   • Suitable chitosan type: Chitosan hydrochloride and chitosan oligosaccharide are excellent choices for nanoparticles due to their strong solubility and ability to form stable nanoparticles.

5. Foams: Chitosan-based foams are developed for protective packaging, offering cushioning and protection for delicate items during transport. These foams are lightweight and can be biodegraded after use.
   • Ratio: Foam formulations can include chitosan in the range of 1% to 5% (w/v), often with the incorporation of a foaming agent or blowing agent.
   • Application: Protective packaging for sensitive items during shipping, offering both cushioning and biodegradability.
   • Suitable chitosan type: Carboxymethyl chitosan is a good option for foams because of its enhanced solubility and chemical functionality which can improve foam stability.

These forms enable the utilization of chitosan’s unique properties, such as biodegradability and antimicrobial activity, making it a valuable component in sustainable packaging solutions.

These ratios and applications are typical, but the specific formulation might vary based on additional factors like the type of food or item being packaged, regulatory requirements, and environmental considerations. Adjustments may be needed based on experimental outcomes or specific industry needs.

These suggestions of suitable chitosan type consider the general properties of each chitosan type and viscosity level, tailored to optimize the form and function of the specific packaging application. Adjustments might be necessary based on specific requirements and experimental feedback.

Chitosan is increasingly recognized as a valuable material for bio-packaging due to its sustainable origin and excellent functional properties.

Chitosan obtained from mushrooms makes it a preferred choice in vegan and environmentally conscious markets.

Its inherent biodegradability and non-toxic nature make it an excellent alternative to synthetic plastics, particularly in the food packaging industry.

The antimicrobial properties of chitosan derived from these sources contribute significantly to extending the shelf life of perishable goods by inhibiting the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast, which are common spoilage agents in food products.

In the application of bio-packaging, chitosan can be processed into various forms such as films, coatings, and composites.

Films made from bespoke chitosan derivatives exhibit good mechanical strength and barrier properties against oxygen and moisture, essential for maintaining the quality and freshness of packaged food.

The versatility of chitosan allows for the development of edible coatings that directly adhere to the surface of food items, providing an additional layer of protection while being safe for consumption.

This adaptability not only enhances food safety and reduces waste but also supports the trend towards more sustainable packaging solutions, aligning with global efforts to minimize environmental impact.

References:

1. https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2621.1996.tb10909.x  Mechanical and Barrier Properties of Edible Chitosan Films as affected by Composition and Storage
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10223533/ Chitosan Based Biodegradable Composite for Antibacterial Food Packaging Application
3. https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/10/1490 Chitosan-Based Materials: An Overview of Potential Applications in Food Packaging
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10223533/  Preparation of Elastic and Antibacterial Chitosan−Citric Acid Membranes with High Oxygen Barrier Ability by in Situ Cross-Linking

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