High-performance alginate- and polyol-based biomaterials for sustainable textile applications

This technology is a versatile biomaterial platform composed of alginate and polyol-based fibers designed for sustainable textile manufacturing through knitting, printing, and casting techniques.

Unmet Need: Sustainable, low-impact alternatives to petroleum-based textile fibers

The textile industry heavily relies on synthetic, petroleum-derived fibers such as polyester and nylon, which contribute significantly to environmental pollution, microplastic shedding, and greenhouse gas emissions. Natural fiber alternatives like cotton require intensive water and pesticide use, posing additional environmental challenges. There is a critical need for high-performance, eco-friendly textile materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising functionality, scalability, or versatility in manufacturing. Addressing this need is essential for reducing the fashion industry's ecological footprint and aligning with global sustainability goals.

The Technology: Sustainable alginate-based fibers for versatile textile fabrication

This technology comprises a biopolymer formulation based on alginate combined with selected polyols and polysaccharides to yield mechanically stable, biodegradable fibers. The material exhibits tunable viscosity and crosslinking properties, enabling precise control over fiber morphology and mechanical characteristics. These fibers can be processed using multiple fabrication methods, including extrusion, wet spinning, casting, and 3D printing, supporting integration into both conventional textile workflows and emerging additive manufacturing platforms. The formulation is water-based and free of toxic solvents, aligning with environmentally responsible production standards.

Initial prototyping has demonstrated successful fabrication of fibers and fabrics using these methods, with promising results in mechanical performance and processing versatility.

Applications:

• Fashion industry
• Footwear industry
• House textiles
• Drug-release patches
• Bandages

Advantages:

• Renewable, non-toxic biopolymers
• Compatible with knitting, casting, extrusion, and 3D printing for broad manufacturing integration
• Enables tuning of strength, flexibility, and texture for varied textile needs
• Water-based processing avoids harsh chemicals and high heat for safer, greener manufacturing
• Naturally biodegrades, preventing long-term microplastic accumulation in the environment

Lead Inventor:

Theanne Schiros, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US20220033995)

Related Publications:

• Claudio L. “Waste couture: Environmental impact of the clothing industry.” Environmental Health Perspect. 2007 Sep; 115(9): A449.

• Muthu SS, Li Y, Hu JY, Mok PY. “Quantification of environmental impact and ecological sustainability for textile fibres.” Ecol Indic. 2012 Feb 1; 13(1): 66–74.

• Knill CJ, Kennedy JF, Mistry J, Miraftab M, Smart G, Groocock MR, Williams HJ. “Alginate fibres modified with unhydrolysed and hydrolysed chitosans for wound dressings.” Carbohydr Polym. 2004 Jan 1; 55(1): 65–76.

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU19029

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu