degradable fibers that include biopolymers , as well as implantable devices including one or more fibers made from degradable biopolymers , e . g ., alginate , chitosan , hyaluronans or their derivatives . the devices provide a combination of degradability and biocompatibility with physical properties suitable for use of the devices as implants . exemplary devices are fastening devices including one or more biopolymer fibers . the use of such degradable biopolymers minimizes or eliminates the need for a second surgery to remove the implant , thereby eliminating the additional cost and potential complications of such a second surgery and should reduce the likelihood of secondary fractures resulting from the stress - shielding effect or the presence of screws holes that serve as stress concentrators . methods for the fabrication of the degradable biopolymer fibers of the present invention are also provided , as well as methods for the fabrication of implantable degradable devices of the present invention which contain one or more degradable biopolymer fibers .