Poly (Tannic Acid) based nanocomposite as a promising potential in biomedical applications

Abstract

Over the past decade, pronounced and exponential developments in the biomedical field have opened the door to investigating and utilizing biomaterials with unique biochemical properties. Tannic acid (TA) is a substantial polyphenol possessing a distinctive chemical structure traditionally used in food additives, animal feed, bio-sorbents, adhesives, and antioxidants. The remarkable innate characteristics of TA, such as biocompatibility, metal chelation, and antibacterial and antioxidant properties, have captivated researchers in biomedical science. As an inherent constituent, it can function as a crosslinker, offering adaptable polymer networks with diverse functionalities for various applications. Also, its high affinity with different substrates actively inhibits microbial attachment and colonization, so there is renewed interest in TA modification for bio-applications. TA's compound structure enables it to effectively interact with a wide range of materials commonly found within the human body. These substances include proteins, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. TA's interactions can also be adjusted to fit hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, and charge interactions. Overall, TA is a molecule that has engendered the emergence of numerous novel biomaterial applications and drug delivery tactics. This review highlights the recent biomedical applications of TA-based materials by focusing on their unique properties and ability to form newly designed functional composites. This paper summarizes the latest developments and potential benefits that can be achieved by applying TA-based advancements in biomedical engineering, drug delivery systems, and wound healing.