In this study, the anionic polysaccharide Xanthan gum (X) was mixed with positively charged Chitosan oligomers (ChO), and used as building blocks, to generate novel nanofibers by electrostatic self-assembly in aqueous conditions. Different concentrations, ionic strength and order of mixing of both components were tested and observed to affect the diameter, which ranged from 100 to 500 nm, and morphology of the self-assembled nanofibers. The release of diclofenac, as model drug, from self-assembled xanthan-chitosan nanofibers was demonstrated, suggesting that these nanostructures can be used in applications within life sciences such as drug delivery.Graphical abstract *Corresponding Author anac@food.dtu.dk