Recent progress in tannic acid-driven antibacterial/antifouling surface coating strategies

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Medical Device Technology

Background:

• Biofouling and microbial colonization on medical devices are significant challenges.
• Current solutions like antibiotics or implant removal have limitations.
• Developing eco-friendly, versatile surface coatings is crucial for regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in tannic acid (TA)-based bioinspired universal surface coatings.
• To highlight the intrinsic features and composite-forming abilities of TA.
• To outline the potential of TA-based composites in antifouling and antibacterial applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on TA-based surface functionalization strategies.
• Analysis of TA's affinity for various substrates and its antimicrobial properties.
• Exploration of TA's role in creating functional composites like polymers, nanomaterials, metal-phenolic networks, and proteins.

Main Results:

• Tannic acid (TA) demonstrates strong substrate affinity and inherent antimicrobial activity.
• TA can functionalize diverse materials, enabling versatile surface engineering.
• TA-based coatings show promise for antifouling and antibacterial applications on biomedical substrates.

Conclusions:

• TA-based bioinspired coatings offer an efficient and eco-friendly strategy for medical implants.
• These coatings enhance surface functionalities, providing antifouling and antibacterial properties.
• TA-based composites represent a promising avenue for improving the safety and efficacy of medical devices.