In our next level of analysis, we explore which assumptions are driving the results through sensitivity analysis. Overall, 14 different assumptions were found to be significant (Figure ). The precursors associated with the production of chitosan particles are found to drivers for costs, including tween 20, polysorbate 20, and glutaraldehyde. Additionally, the synthesis yield affects both environmental impacts and cost. Thus, opportunities exists to enhance the synthesis conditions, implement process efficiency enhancements, and explore opportunities to scale up. The amounts of chitosan and NaOH also impact the environmental sustainability, including eutrophication, human toxicity: carcinogenic, and ozone depletion potential. To address these impacts, further optimization in the synthesis process can be explored. This optimization will help reduce the environmental impact and promote a more sustainable approach to synthesis. Other research has noted that the viability of chitosan production facilities stems from the utilization of NaOH and HCl. The consumption of electrical energy by hotplates contributes greatly to increased environmental stress, which is further influenced by the duration of heat application. A viable solution is to explore energyefficient alternatives and optimize the duration of heat application.