Comb-like ionic complexes of pectinic and alginic acids with alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants

► Pectinic and alginic acids form stable complexes with alkyltrimethylammonium surfactants. ► Comb-like alkyltrimethylammonium-polyuronates complexes melt at temperatures between 40 and 80 °C. ► Comb-like alkyltrimethylammonium-polyuronates complexes are arranged in a biphasic amphiphilic structure.