Abstract: A substrate for cell growth comprises a polysaccharide and a cell adhesion protein provided at the surface of the substrate. The polysaccharide may for example be an alginate and the cell adhesion protein may be fibronectin, vitronectin or von Willebrand protein. The substrate may for example be a fibre and may be produced by extruding a solution containing dissolved polysaccharide and cell adhesion protein into a coagulation bath so that a substrate comprised of a basal layer of the polysaccharide and surface layer of cell adhesion protein is precipitated.

Abstract: An absorbent foam material which comprises a solid, cross-linked form of an anionic polymer (e.g. an alginate) and fibers or other cation contributing polymeric particulates which have donated appropriate cations for effecting cross-linking of the anionic polymer. Methods of producing the foam material are also disclosed.