Synthesis of Chitin‐Tannic Acid Supramolecular Gels via a Deep Eutectic Solvent‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Reaction

ABSTRACT Chitin–tannic acid (Chi:TA) gels were synthesized through a deep eutectic solvent (DES)‐catalyzed one‐pot process using ZnCl 2 :urea as the solvent and catalyzer system. Materials were prepared by varying the Chi:TA molar ratio, reaction time, and gelling conditions. Chi:TA gels with ratios of 1:1 and 5:1, gelled at either −15°C or 70°C, were characterized. Spectroscopic analyses revealed tannic acid modification, partial gallic unit transesterification onto chitin, and Zn 2+ mediated crosslinking, whereas morphological and thermal analyses exhibited temperature‐dependent microstructures and enhanced thermal stability, particularly in gels obtained at higher temperature. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated bacterial growth inhibition capacity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , and soil tests confirmed complete disintegration within 35 days. Finally, the green metrics of the process were evaluated, revealing an E‐factor (Environmental factor) of 1.65, an excellent value within the typical range for commodity chemicals. Overall, DES processing enables the formation of biobased chitin‐polyphenol networks suitable for sustainable applications.