2024, Vol. 7, Issue 2

author(s)
Carlos Mendoza and Yasemin Demir

abstract
Fungal chitosan, a biopolymer derived from fungal sources, has gained substantial attention due to its diverse applications in food, medicine, and environmental sectors. Agro-industrial waste, which includes agricultural by-products and food processing residues, presents an abundant, low-cost source for fungal cultivation. This research investigates the cost-benefit analysis and financial modeling of large-scale fungal chitosan production using agro-industrial waste. The economic feasibility of converting waste into value-added chitosan products is assessed through a systematic financial model, focusing on both the direct and indirect costs associated with the fermentation process. A comprehensive evaluation includes capital and operational costs, raw material costs, production efficiency, and market price of the final product. Additionally, this research explores potential environmental and social benefits, such as waste reduction and job creation in rural areas. The results demonstrate that large-scale fungal chitosan production can be economically viable under certain market conditions, with significant potential for profitability. Furthermore, the research highlights key factors influencing the financial sustainability of the process, such as scale economies, technological innovations, and regulatory frameworks. This research serves as a foundation for developing sustainable, large-scale production systems for fungal chitosan, offering a promising solution for utilizing agro-industrial waste and enhancing the profitability of biotechnological enterprises.