Valorization of chitosan for sustainable soap production: Development, performance evaluation, and hygiene applications

This study investigates a new method for making soap by using chitosan (CH) obtained from discarded cephalopod waste. This strategy aims to tackle the environmental issues related to trash disposal. Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWCH) was developed by extracting chitin, converting into chitosan and subjecting it to gamma irradiation for reducing the molecular weight. The chitosan has a molecular weight of 982 Da, making it well-suited for being included in soap compositions and providing strong anti-microbial activity. The soap that was produced demonstrated desirable attributes, such as a moisture content of 17.13%, a pH level of 9, and a stable fatty acid content, indicating its potential for successful commercial use. The soap had significant antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida albicans ( C.albicans). After 36 h, it produced zones of inhibition measuring 7.7 ± 1.05 mm and 8.4 ± 0.5 mm respectively. The research’s reliability is based on its meticulous experimental technique, which included comprehensive characterization of both the chitosan derivative and the final soap product. Moreover, conducting antimicrobial testing on widely recognized pathogens enhances the credibility of the soap’s possible practical uses in hygiene goods. Overall, this study underscores the feasibility of utilizing waste materials for sustainable soap production while offering potential antimicrobial benefits, thus contributing to both environmental conservation and public health.