d Further, removal of acetyl groups from chitin was achieved by refluxing for 12 h at 110 oC using 50% sodium hydroxide with solid to solvent ratio 1:15 (w/v). The resulting chitosan (C3) obtained was washed and neutralized with tap water followed by rinsing with hot distilled water at 90 oC, filtered and oven dried at 60oC for 24 h and stored in airtight containers till further use.