We developed and elaborated manufacturing conditions for the production of alginic acid fibers with high sorption properties. The fibers' tenacity obtained at a level of 16 cN/tex is suitable for textile processing these fibers, and will make it possible to produce a new generation of highly absorptive dressing materials. The presence of acid groups in the fiber-forming material allows us to use them for the addition of new generation antibiotics, which makes it possible to extend the antibacterial effects of these fibers. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.