title: Solubilization of chitosan by bipolar membrane electroacidification.
abstract: Chitosan, a partially deacetylated derivative of chitin, was solubilized by bipolar membrane electroacidification (BMEA). Bipolar/monopolar (anionic or cationic) configuration and chitosan addition mode (single step or stepwise) were examined. Chitosan solubility and electroacidification parameters were monitored during the process to determine the optimal conditions. Bipolar/anionic configuration and stepwise feeding mode led to chitosan solubilization yield of 91% in 60 min at 20 mA/cm(2). In this configuration, chitosan solution had a pH of 2.5, a conductivity of 8.5 mS/cm, and an ash content of 0.2%. Relative energy consumption was 0.05 kWh/L of 1% chitosan solution prepared. Although some chitosan particles were aggregated in the electrodialysis stack, limiting chitosan solubilization, BMEA allowed complete solubilization of chitosan circulating in the system.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods (INAF), Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Laval University, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4.
authors.forename: Fabrice
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lin Teng Shee
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arul
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brunet
authors.forename: Andéa-Mircea
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Mateescu
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bazinet
mesh_terms: D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004563:Electrochemistry / Q000295:instrumentation; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012995:Solubility; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D048271:Chitosan