Functional Modifications of Alginate Fibers and Wound Dressings

Alginate fibers are made from sodium alginate, which is a natural polymer extracted from brown seaweeds. Since their applications in wound management products in the 1980s, there have been many attempts to improve the properties of alginate fibers and wound dressings through chemical, physical, and biological modifications of alginic acid, alginate fibers, and alginate wound dressings. Many unique technologies have been used to enhance product performances and by applying chemical, physical, and biological treatment to polymers, fibers, textile materials, and composites, it is possible to develop new generations of alginate fibers and wound dressings with higher absorbency, better antimicrobial property, and improved overall performances.