The gel swelling properties of alginate fibers and their applications in wound management

Calcium alginate fibers have a novel gel‐forming capability in that, upon the ion exchange between sodium ions in the contact solution and calcium ions in the fiber, the fiber slowly transforms into a fibrous gel. This paper reviews the principles of the gel‐forming process for alginate fibers and analyzed the gelling behavior of various types of alginate fibers. The absorption characteristics of alginate wound dressings were analyzed and it was found that alginate wound dressings absorb a large quantity of liquid into the fiber structure, in addition to those held between the fibers in the textile structure. This gives rise to the unique gel blocking properties of alginate wound dressings. In addition, alginate wound dressings also have novel hemostatic and antimicrobial properties as well as the ability to promote wound healing. They are now widely used in the management of highly exuding wounds such as leg ulcers, pressure sores, and surgical wounds. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.