Inês C.G Sousa

Mrs. Inês C.G Sousa


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 August 2025 in Foods
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
ISInês C.G Sousa
Inês C.G Sousa
STSamiris Côcco Teixeira
Samiris Côcco Teixeira
Marinaldo V. de Souza JuniorMarinaldo V. de Souza Junior
Marinaldo V. de Souza Junior
MCMaria Beatriz Martins Conde
Maria Beatriz Martins Conde
GBGabriela R. Bailon
Gabriela R. Bailon
NSNilda de Fátima Ferreira Soares
Nilda de Fátima Ferreira Soares
Biologically derived polymers, such as chitosan, have gained attention as sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials for food and biomedical applications. Fungal-derived chitosan offers notable advantages over crustacean-based chitosan, including a renewable origin and lower allergenic potential. In this study, chitosan was extracted from fungal biomass through a sequential process comprising demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. The extracted material was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential measurement, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and color analysis. Compared to commercial chitosan, the fungal chitosan exhibited lower crystallinity and thermal stability, as well as a more porous surface morphology. Its degree of deacetylation and surface charge suggest promising potential for use in biodegradable films and functional materials. These findings highlight the feasibility of using fungal biomass as a sustainable and valuable source of chitosan for technological applications.