Marine Bioactive Fibers: Alginate and Chitosan Fibers-A Critical Review

Abstract

Alginate and chitosan are two marine natural polymers with unique structures and properties. Alginate is a polymeric acid, whilst chitosan is a polymeric amine. Both polymers can be made into fibers through the wet-spinning process. This article reviews the novel properties of alginate and chitosan, and compares the functional performances of the two fibers as novel textile materials. The principal applications of alginate and chitosan fibers are also reviewed.