Tea polyphenols-mediated supramolecular architectures: Design and applications

Tea polyphenols (TPs) are widely distributed, naturally occurring substances found in plants that have a spectrum of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Their outstanding biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and antioxidative capabilities have led to the widespread applications of TPs across various domains, including nutrition, nanotechnology, and biomedicine. Additionally, TPs display high adherence, which have been exploited for assembling nanostructured materials. TPs, distinguished by their unique chemical structure, engage in multiple interactions with a range of components, from small and macro molecules (such as metal ions, small organic molecules, polymers, and biomacromolecules), via covalent or non-covalent bonds, assisting TPs as important building blocks in the supramolecular self-assembled materials. This review consolidates significant progress in the development of diverse dimensions materials using TPs as core elements, encompassing 0D to 3D nanoparticles, fibers, sheets, coating films and hydrogels. The synergistic qualities of TPs and additions are present after they interact with other substances and assemble. Some of the applications about these supramolecular self-assembly materials exemplified in this review include bioimaging, drug delivery, and disease treatments. Additionally, this article explores the current challenges and future perspectives in the advancement of supramolecular self-assembly nanomaterials derived from TPs. • Tea polyphenols (TPs) can act as instrumental components for supramolecular assembly via covalent or non-covalent bonds. • TPs engage in multiple interactions with a range of components, from small and macro molecules. • The formed supramolecular assembly has enhanced and synergistic properties of TPs as well as additives. • TPs-based supramolecular self-assembled materials exhibit immense potential in diverse fields.