Alginate and gelatin blend fibers were prepared by spinning their solution through a viscose-type spinneret into a coagulating bath containing aqueous CaCl2, and ethanol. The structure and properties of the blend fibers were studied with the aid of infrared spectra, scanning electron micrography, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical properties and water-retention properties were measured. The best values of the tensile strength and breaking elongation of blend fibers were obtained when gelatin content was 30 wt %. The water-retention values of blend fibers increase as the amount of gelatin is raised. The structural analysis indicated that there was strong interaction and good miscibility between alginate and gelatin molecules resulted from intermolecular hydrogen bonds. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.