The amide character in the ChCa-ci fibers was calculated to be 26.5%. These amide linkages may be formed by cross-linking the pendant COOH groups with glucosamine units of chitosan or conversion of some of the ion pairs to amide linkages. The % ionic character left in the ChCa-ci fibers was derived by subtracting the % amide density from the % total cross-link density (i.e. 38%–26.5% = 11.5%). Thus, the existence of a dual cross-linked network (ionic as well as covalent) is established in the ChCa-ci fibers.