Review Article
Open access
Peer reviewed
Advances in Mushroom Chitosan Biorefinery and Its Applications in Food Engineering: A Sustainable Approach to Food Preservation and Quality Enhancement
- Department of Microbiology, Skyline University, Nigeria
- Department of Chemistry, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Nottingham Trent University, UK
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria
- Department of Environmental Management for Agriculture, University of Hertfordshire, UK
- Received
- Published
DOI
https://doi.org/10.55006/biolsciences.2025.5103
How to Cite
Biological Sciences, Vol. 5 No. 1 (2025), 837-849
Abstract
Mushroom-derived chitosan has gained recognition in food engineering due to its numerous advantages over conventional crustacean-derived chitosan, including enhanced biocompatibility, sustainability, and allergen-free properties. Various extraction methods, such as enzymatic, chemical, and green techniques, have been explored, each with distinct advantages and limitations regarding yield, quality, and environmental impact. This study highlights the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and film-forming properties of mushroom chitosan, positioning it as a valuable material for food preservation, packaging, and functional food applications. Despite challenges in optimizing extraction methods and scaling production, the ecological and economic benefits of mushroom chitosan make it a promising alternative to synthetic and animal-derived materials. The findings underscore its potential to contribute to more sustainable food systems by replacing synthetic plastics and chemical preservatives, reducing food waste, and promoting eco-friendly packaging solutions. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction methods for higher yields and quality, enhancing functionalization techniques for specific food applications, and exploring new applications in nutraceuticals and functional foods. Moreover, further research is needed to address scalability challenges and assess the environmental and economic impacts of mushroom chitosan in large-scale industrial applications.
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