1. What is vegetal chitosan?

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer that is primarily derived from chitin, which is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose. Chitin is commonly found in the exoskeletons of crustaceans like crabs, shrimps, and lobsters, as well as in the cell walls of certain fungi like mushroom, aspergillus niger.

Structure and Properties:

• Chemical Structure: Chitosan is obtained by deacetylating chitin. This process involves removing acetyl groups from chitin, resulting in a polymer that has free amine groups.
• Solubility: Unlike chitin, chitosan is soluble in acidic to neutral solutions, making it more versatile for various applications.
• 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.

Chitosan, sometimes known as deacetylated chitin, is a natural polycationic linear polysaccharide derived from partial deacetylation of chitin. Chitin is the structural element in the exoskeleton of insects, crustaceans (mainly shrimps and crabs shell), and cell walls of fungi (oyster mushroom, agaricus bisprous and aspergillus niger), and also is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose.

Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide prepared of fungal origin, is initially extracted and purified from reliable and abundant food or biotechnological fungal sources such as Agaricus bisporus or Aspergillus niger.

Chitosan is composed of glucosamine sugar units (deacetylated units) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units (acetylated units) interconnected by ß→(1.4) type linkages.

Uses and Applications:

1. Medical and Pharmaceutical Fields: Due to its biocompatibility and non-toxic nature, chitosan is used in wound healing, drug delivery systems, and as a biomaterial in tissue engineering.
2. Water Treatment: Its ability to bind with heavy metals and other contaminants makes it useful in water purification and treatment processes.
3. Agriculture: As a natural biostimulant and elicitor, chitosan is used to enhance plant growth and provide resistance against pathogens.
4. Food Industry: It’s used as a food additive for its antimicrobial properties, and as an edible film or coating to enhance the shelf life of perishable food products.
5. Cosmetics and Personal Care: In this realm, it finds use as a thickener, moisturizer, and film-forming agent, particularly in hair and skin care products.

Chitosan has been widely used in various fields, including wine, pharmaceuticals, dietary supplement, medicine, agriculture, and food industries, due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. In recent years, researchers have investigated the use of vegetal chitosan, which is derived from fungal or plant sources, as a sustainable alternative for use in wine applications.

Variants:

• Traditional Chitosan: Traditionally sourced from marine crustaceans.
• Vegetal Chitosan: Derived from fungal sources, offering an alternative for those seeking non-animal derived products.

In summary, 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.

2. What are the advantages of vegetal chitosan?

Vegetal chitosan, also known as fungal chitosan or mycelium chitosan, is a type of chitosan derived from the cell walls of fungi (mushroom and aspergillu niger). It has several advantages over traditional chitosan derived from shellfish, including:

• 1. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Vegetal chitosan is an excellent alternative for individuals who avoid animal-based products, such as those who follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
• 2. Allergen-free: Traditional chitosan is derived from shellfish, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. Vegetal chitosan does not contain any shellfish-derived ingredients, making it an allergen-free option.
• 3. Purer: Vegetal 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: Vegetal chitosan is more soluble than traditional chitosan, which makes it easier to incorporate into various applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, wine and food.
• 5. Improved bioavailability: Some studies have suggested that vegetal chitosan has a higher bioavailability compared to traditional chitosan, which means that it can be absorbed and utilized more effectively by the body.

Overall, vegetal 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.

3. What are the benefits & functions of vegetal chitosan in air filtration application?

Vegetal chitosan sourced from mushrooms and Aspergillus niger offers several benefits and functions when used in air filtration systems:

1. Antimicrobial Properties: Chitosan has inherent antimicrobial properties which make it effective in reducing the presence of bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air. This is particularly beneficial in environments that require high standards of cleanliness, such as hospitals or laboratories.

2. Filtration Efficiency: Due to its structural properties, vegetal chitosan can enhance the efficiency of filter media by trapping smaller particulate matter and pollutants more effectively than some traditional filters. This includes the capture of fine dust, pollen, and other allergens.

3. Biodegradability: Being a natural product, chitosan is biodegradable. This property makes chitosan-based air filters more environmentally friendly compared to those made from synthetic materials, which contribute to landfill waste.

4. Chemical Binding: Chitosan can chemically bind to toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), removing them from the air. This chemical binding capability is especially valuable in industrial settings or areas with high levels of air pollution.

5. Humidity Resistance: Chitosan has good resistance to moisture, which helps maintain the integrity of the filter even in humid conditions. This prolongs the lifespan of the filter and ensures consistent performance.

6. Non-Toxicity: Chitosan is non-toxic, making it safe for use in home and office environments. This is an important consideration for air filtration systems designed for enclosed spaces where safety and health standards are paramount.

Overall, vegetal chitosan provides a sustainable and effective option for enhancing air quality and filter performance in various settings.

4. Which specific application areas & products of air filtration vegetal chitosan can be used?

Vegetal chitosan can be used in various specific application areas of air filtration, each benefiting from its unique properties.

For each specific application area where vegetal chitosan can be used in air filtration, there are corresponding products that incorporate or can be enhanced by this material.

The recommended addition ratio of chitosan in air filtration applications can vary depending on the specific requirements of each application and the desired properties of the filter. However, there isn’t a universally accepted standard ratio, as the optimal amount can depend on factors such as the source and quality of the chitosan, the type of pollutants targeted, and the design of the filtration system.

Here are some key applications, along with a list of such products tailored to the application areas mentioned, and some general guidelines of chitosan addition ratio that might apply across different applications:

1. Healthcare Facilities: In hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare environments, air quality is critical to prevent the spread of infections. Vegetal chitosan filters can help capture and eliminate microbes and other contaminants from the air, reducing the risk of airborne diseases.
   • Antimicrobial Air Filters: These specialized filters can be used in air handling units and HVAC systems within hospitals to prevent the spread of infections.
   • Portable Air Purifiers: Used in patient rooms, waiting areas, and other common spaces to enhance air cleanliness.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: For applications requiring high efficiency in microbial reduction, chitosan might be used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% by weight of the filter media. This is sufficient to impart antimicrobial properties without compromising air flow or filter integrity.

2. Residential and Commercial HVAC Systems: Incorporating vegetal chitosan into HVAC filters can improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants, allergens, and pathogens. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas or environments prone to high dust and pollen levels.
   • HVAC Filters: Enhanced with chitosan for improved air quality throughout homes and commercial buildings.
   • Window and Portable AC Units: Smaller air conditioning units that include chitosan filters to provide cleaner indoor air.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: A lower concentration, typically around 0.5% to 2%, might be used in these applications where the primary goal is to improve particle capture efficiency and reduce common allergens.

3. Clean Rooms and Laboratories: Facilities that require extremely clean air, such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotech laboratories, and pharmaceutical production, can benefit from the high filtration efficiency and antimicrobial properties of chitosan.
   • HEPA Filters with Chitosan Coatings: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters used in environments requiring very clean air, with chitosan adding antimicrobial properties.
   • Laminar Air Flow Units: Used in sterile environments to maintain ultra-clean conditions.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: For applications requiring high efficiency in microbial reduction, chitosan might be used in concentrations ranging from 1% to 5% by weight of the filter media. This is sufficient to impart antimicrobial properties without compromising air flow or filter integrity.

4. Industrial Air Filtration: In industrial settings, air filtration needs to handle a range of contaminants, including chemical vapors and fine particulates. Chitosan’s ability to chemically bind with various toxic substances makes it suitable for industrial air purification systems.
   • Industrial Air Handlers: Large-scale air filtration systems used in manufacturing and processing plants.
   • Dust Collection Systems: Systems designed to capture fine particulates, enhanced with chitosan for added filtration efficiency.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: In industrial settings, where filters may need to handle a higher load of chemical pollutants, the concentration might be higher, perhaps around 2% to 5%. The exact percentage can vary based on the specific chemicals and the volume of air being processed.

5. Automotive Cabin Air Filters: Chitosan can be used in the automotive industry to enhance cabin air filters. These filters can more effectively trap pollutants, allergens, and odors, improving air quality inside vehicles.
   • Enhanced Cabin Air Filters: Used in cars, buses, and other vehicles to improve the air breathed by passengers, especially in polluted environments.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: Concentrations around 1% to 3% are common for cabin air filters to effectively remove pollutants and odors while maintaining airflow necessary for efficient HVAC operation.

6. Air Purifiers: Portable or standalone air purifiers equipped with chitosan filters can be used in homes, offices, and other enclosed spaces to maintain or improve air quality, especially in areas with limited ventilation.
   • Stand-alone Air Purifiers: Often used in homes and offices, these can include multiple filter stages, one of which may be a chitosan filter.
   • Desk-top and Personal Air Purifiers: Smaller devices designed for individual use, suitable for placing on workstations or bedside tables.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: Similar to residential HVAC systems, air purifiers might use chitosan at a concentration of about 0.5% to 3%, depending on the level of air purification needed and the specific pollutants targeted.

7. Ventilation Systems in Agricultural and Food Processing Facilities: These environments can benefit from chitosan’s antimicrobial properties to reduce the spread of mold, bacteria, and other harmful organisms, ensuring better preservation and safety of food products.
   • Ventilation Filters for Controlled Environments: Used in greenhouses or storage areas to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria on organic products.
   • Air Scrubbers: Devices used to remove airborne contaminants in food processing areas, ensuring the air remains clean and free of pathogens.
   • Chitosan Addition Ratio: Higher concentrations, possibly around 3% to 5%, might be used in these environments to maximize the antimicrobial effectiveness and ensure protection against mold and bacteria in more sensitive settings.

By leveraging its unique properties, vegetal chitosan can enhance air filtration performance across these diverse applications, contributing to healthier and cleaner air environments.

And above these products, when integrated with vegetal chitosan, provide enhanced air filtration capabilities, leveraging chitosan’s natural properties to improve air quality and ensure safer, cleaner environments across various sectors.

Moreover, It’s important to note that these figures are indicative and can vary significantly based on specific product designs and performance requirements. Manufacturers typically perform extensive testing to determine the optimal chitosan content that achieves the best balance between filtration efficiency, air flow, and cost-effectiveness. For a precise formulation, consultation with material scientists or chemical engineers who specialize in filtration technology would be recommended.

5. Which type of vegetal chitosan is suitable for the air filtration application & products?

The choice of a specific type of vegetal chitosan for air filtration applications depends on the specific requirements of the filter, including its desired properties, the contaminants it needs to capture, and the operational conditions of the filtration system. Here’s how different types of chitosan could be used based on their properties:

1. Acid-Soluble Chitosan (Viscosity Ranges)
   • 20-100cps: This lower viscosity chitosan is more fluid, making it suitable for coating applications where a thinner layer is needed without clogging the filter media. It’s ideal for residential and commercial HVAC filters where a balance between air flow and filtration efficiency is crucial.
   • 100-500cps: A medium viscosity range provides a good balance between ease of coating and the ability to form a robust film. This makes it appropriate for automotive air filters and portable air purifiers.
   • 500-1000cps: Higher viscosity chitosan offers thicker coatings that are beneficial for industrial air filtration systems where high durability and extended filter life are needed. This type can handle larger volumes of air and more aggressive industrial environments.
2. Chitosan Hydrochloride
   • Description: This is a water-soluble form of chitosan that can be easily applied as a coating on various substrates.
   • Applications: Suitable for use in environments requiring high levels of hygiene and cleanliness, such as healthcare facilities and clean rooms, due to its excellent solubility and strong antimicrobial properties.
3. Chitosan Oligosaccharide
   • Description: Composed of shorter chitosan molecules, this form has higher solubility and bioactivity.
   • Applications: This type is particularly effective in capturing fine particulate matter and inhibiting microbial growth, making it suitable for air purifiers and HVAC systems in both residential and healthcare settings.
4. Carboxymethyl Chitosan
   • Description: This derivative of chitosan is more soluble in water and exhibits enhanced chemical stability and bioactivity.
   • Applications: It’s especially useful in industrial applications where chemical pollutants are a concern. Carboxymethyl chitosan can be used in air filtration systems in manufacturing plants or chemical processing facilities.

Each of these types of chitosan can be chosen based on how well their properties align with the specific filtration needs. For instance, lower viscosity chitosan are better for applications requiring minimal airflow resistance, while higher viscosity and modified chitosan are ideal for more demanding environments where higher efficiency or special functional properties like chemical resistance are needed.

6. What are the common forms of vegetal chitosan used in air filtration?

Vegetal chitosan used in air filtration can come in several forms, each suitable for different types of filters and applications. Common forms include:

1. Powder:
   • Description: Chitosan powder is a finely ground form of the material. It is often used as a coating on filter media to enhance antimicrobial and particulate-capturing properties.
   • Applications: This form is commonly used in HVAC filters, HEPA filters, and air purifiers. The powder is typically blended with other filter media or applied as a coating.

2. Solution:
   • Description: Chitosan solution is a liquid form where chitosan is dissolved in an acidic medium, usually acetic acid. This form is used to impregnate or coat various substrates.
   • Applications: Solutions are useful for coating filter fibers or creating thin films on filter materials, enhancing the antimicrobial and chemical binding properties of the filters.

3. Fibers:
   • Description: Chitosan fibers are threads or yarns made from chitosan, often blended with other fibers to enhance their filtration characteristics.
   • Applications: Fibers can be woven or integrated into nonwoven fabrics used in air filters, providing structural support and enhancing filtration efficiency. This form is useful for industrial air filters and specialized clean room filters.

4. Membranes:
   • Description: Chitosan membranes are thin films or sheets made from chitosan. These membranes can be used as stand-alone filters or integrated into composite filter structures.
   • Applications: Membranes are often used in advanced air purification systems, such as in clean rooms or laboratories, where highly efficient filtration is needed.

5. Beads or Granules:
   • Description: Chitosan beads or granules are small, spherical particles. This form allows for controlled air flow and efficient contaminant capture.
   • Applications: Beads or granules are commonly used in air scrubbers and industrial filters, where they can effectively capture chemical pollutants or remove airborne pathogens.

Each form of vegetal chitosan offers distinct advantages for different filtration requirements, allowing manufacturers to tailor filters to specific needs and optimize air quality across various environments.

7. What is the flowchart of vegetal chitosan processing?

The production process of plant chitosan is mainly obtained by extracting raw materials (mushrooms, Aspergillus niger), deproteinizing with dilute acid or alkali, deacetylating, drying, etc.

Here is a simplified flowchart of the production process of vegetal chitosan for your reference.

The flowchart of mushroom chitosan illustrates the process of producing chitosan and its derivatives from mushroom material. Here’s a summary of the key content:

1. Starting Material: The process begins with mushroom material as the source.
2. Filtration: The mushroom material undergoes a filtration process.
3. Protein Removal: Proteins are then removed from the filtered material using an alkali solution.
4. Ash Removal: Ash content is subsequently removed with acid.
5. Chitin Extraction:
   • Acid is added without bubbles to proceed to the next stage.
   • Chitin is extracted, which is not soluble in acid.
   • An acetylation step removes the acetyl groups from the chitin using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), converting it into chitosan, which is soluble in acid.
6. Drying: The acid-soluble chitosan is then dried to produce the final mushroom chitosan product, showcased as a white powder.
7. Chitosan Derivatives: Parallel to the drying process, there is a branch leading to the production of various chitosan derivatives:
   • Chitosan Hydrochloride: Chitosan converted into its hydrochloride form.
   • Enzyme Hydrolysis: Produces chitosan oligosaccharide through enzymatic hydrolysis.
   • Carboxymethyl Chitosan: Derived through the carboxymethylation of chitosan.

The flowchart depicts a methodical approach to converting mushroom material into various forms of chitosan, focusing on the purification and chemical modification steps necessary to achieve different chitosan-based products for use in various applications.

The flowchart of aspergillus niger chitosan outlines the process for extracting chitosan from Aspergillus niger, a type of fungus. Here’s a step-by-step summary of the key points:

1. Starting Material: Aspergillus niger is cultured through a fermentation process using corn.
2. Extraction:
   • The fungal biomass undergoes a bulk flocculation.
   • This is followed by centrifugation to separate the components.
   • The pH of the resulting material is adjusted to alkaline conditions (pH 8-10).
   • Another round of centrifugation and isolation occurs.
   • The pH is adjusted back to neutral (pH 7), and the sediment is washed and precipitated.
   • The sediment is then extracted with 5% acetic acid at 100°C for five hours to get the clear solution.
   • It is washed again to achieve a clear solution with a neutral pH.
3. Chitin Production:
   • The clear solution is treated with 7% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a ratio of 1:10 (W/V) at 50°C for three hours.
   • Centrifugal washing follows, resulting in the production of chitin as a clear solution to get the sediment.
4. Deacetylation:
   • The sediment undergoes the deacetylation process. It’s treated with 20% NaOH at a ratio of 1:10 (W/V) and heated in a microwave at 480W for 15 minutes.
   • This step is crucial to convert chitin into chitosan by removing acetyl groups.
5. Final Steps:
   • The final sediment, which is now deacetylated chitin or chitosan, is extracted.
   • It undergoes drying, followed by sieving to achieve the desired particle size.
6. End Product: The final product is solid Aspergillus niger chitosan.

This process includes several steps involving pH adjustment, centrifugation, chemical treatments, and heating, which are critical to ensuring the purity and quality of the chitosan extracted from Aspergillus niger.

8. Summary of of vegetal chitosan used in air filtration application

Vegetal chitosan, derived from sustainable sources like mushrooms and Aspergillus niger, presents a revolutionary approach to air filtration technology.

Its unique molecular structure not only captures fine particulates effectively but also imparts antimicrobial properties to filtration media, ensuring cleaner, healthier air in various environments.

The biodegradable nature of vegetal chitosan aligns with eco-friendly initiatives, making it an ideal choice for enhancing air quality without contributing to environmental burden.

Whether integrated into residential HVAC systems, commercial air purifiers, or healthcare facilities, vegetal chitosan offers superior filtration performance, effectively removing pollutants, allergens, and pathogens from the air.

Moreover, the versatility of vegetal chitosan in formulating different viscosities and derivatives, such as acid-soluble chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan, allows for customized solutions tailored to specific filtration needs.

For instance, low-viscosity chitosan is perfect for residential applications where maintaining airflow efficiency is crucial, while higher viscosity grades provide robust performance in industrial settings, capturing a wide range of chemical contaminants.

As the demand for advanced filtration solutions grows, vegetal chitosan stands out as a material that not only meets the technical requirements of modern air filtration systems but also supports sustainability goals, making it a cornerstone in the development of next-generation air purification technologies.