Implantable Degradable Biopolymer Fiber Devices

Degradable fibers that include biopolymers, as well as implantable devices including one or more fibers made from degradable biopolymers, e.g., alginate, chitosan, hyaluronans or their derivatives. The devices provide a combination of degradability and biocompatibility with physical properties suitable for use of the devices as implants. Exemplary devices are fastening devices including one or more biopolymer fibers. The use of such degradable biopolymers minimizes or eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove the implant, thereby eliminating the additional cost and potential complications of such a second surgery and should reduce the likelihood of secondary fractures resulting from the stress-shielding effect or the presence of screws holes that serve as stress concentrators. Methods for the fabrication of the degradable biopolymer fibers of the present invention are also provided, as well as methods for the fabrication of implantable degradable devices of the present invention which contain one or more degradable biopolymer fibers.