Alginate and chitosan fibers produced with olive pomace by wet spinning

Abstract

[Excerpt] Olive oil production generates a considerable amount of olive pomace (OP). This residue is made of olive skins, pulp and stones. Furthermore, it is rich in phenolic compounds which comprise antioxidant and antibacterial properties. This research envisages a sustainable valorization of this relevant Mediterranean waste through the inclusion of olive pomace powder to functionalize alginate and chitosan wet spun fibers. Both biopolymers are natural and biocompatible polysaccharides with numerous favourable properties, such as good biodegradation and non-toxicity.