When chitosan fibers were treated with AgNO3 and ZnCl2 solutions, the silver and zinc ions were chelated by chitosan through the amine groups in the fibers. These novel metal ions can be released into the solution when the silver- and zinc-containing fibers are placed in contact with normal saline. Results showed that the silver-containing chitosan fibers have good antimicrobial properties, while the zinc-containing fibers can be used to deliver zinc ions in wound care applications. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.