Influence of nitrogen source on chitosan production carried out by Absidia coerulea CTCC AF 93105

In the production of chitosan employing Absidia coerulea CTCC AF 93105, effect of different nitrogen sources in the medium containing soybean pomace, (NH4)2SO4, NaNO3, urea, or (NH4)2CO3 on cell dry weight, chitosan molecular weight, chitosan production, and fermentation time for the maximum production of chitosan was investigated. Cell dry weight and the production of chitosan were greater with soybean pomace compared those with other nitrogen sources. The highest cell dry weight and production of chitosan by A. coerulea CTCC AF 93105 was 21.38 g L−1 and 5.88 g L−1, respectively, with soybean pomace whereas those with (NH4)2SO4 was 9.38 g L−1 and 3.14 g L−1, respectively. Chitosan molecular weight was also affected by the nitrogen source in the medium and was higher with soybean pomace than that with any other nitrogen sources. The optimum fermentation time for chitosan production was also affected by the nitrogen source in the medium.