| Title: |
State of the Art on Tannin-Based Micro-/Nano-Carriers as Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review |
| Authors: |
Zongo, Luc; Lange, Heiko; Ouedraogo, Arsène; Ouedraogo, Modeste W.; Ouedraogo, Raogo; Zongo, Mimtiri S.; Kabore, Lucien; Traore, Wilfried F. P.; Lengane, Yilédoma T. M.; Bembamba, Davy P. -W.; Canfua, Rosemary R.; Zohoncon, Théodora M.; Simpore, Jacques |
| Contributors: |
Zongo, L; Lange, H; Ouedraogo, A; Ouedraogo, M; Ouedraogo, R; Zongo, M; Kabore, L; Traore, W; Lengane, Y; Bembamba, D; Canfua, R; Zohoncon, T; Simpore, J |
| Publisher Information: |
Scientific Research Publishing; US |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca: BOA (Bicocca Open Archive) |
| Subject Terms: |
tannin; nanocarrier; drug delivery system; metal-phenolic network; biocompatibility |
| Description: |
Introduction: Tannins are structurally diverse plant polyphenols increasingly recognized as sustainable building blocks for advanced drug delivery systems. Their capacity for hydrogen bonding, electronic interactions between aromatic moieties (“π-π stacking”), and metal coordination enables the formation of versatile nano- and micro-carriers with intrinsic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. This review synthesizes current evidence on tannin-based delivery platforms and evaluates their pharmaceutical relevance. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using major scientific databases, focusing on peer-reviewed studies (2010-2025) reporting clearly identified hydrolysable, condensed, or complex tannins formulated as nano- or micro-carriers. Data were extracted on fabrication strategies, physicochemical properties, drug-loading performance, release behavior, biocompatibility, and in vitro/in vivo outcomes. The current situation was analyzed qualitatively due to methodological heterogeneity across studies. Results: Tannin-based carriers, including metal-phenolic networks, self-assembled nanoparticles, nanogels, microcapsules, and layer-by-layer systems, consistently exhibit high encapsulation efficiencies (60% - 95%) and drug-loading capacities (5% - 30%). Particle sizes typically range from 50 - 400 nm, with negative surface charges ensuring colloidal stability. Many systems demonstrate pH- and redox-responsive release, enhanced muco-adhesion, and synergistic bioactivity. Preclinical studies in cell lines, zebrafish, and rodent models report favorable biocompatibility, low toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy in wound healing, infection control, and oncology. Discussion: Compared with synthetic polymers, tannin-based carriers offer multifunctionality, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and compatibility with green chemistry principles. However, variability in tannin composition, lack of standardized characterization, and limited pharmacokinetic data ... |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
STAMPA |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
volume:17; issue:1; firstpage:1; lastpage:27; numberofpages:27; journal:PHARMACOLOGY & PHARMACY; https://hdl.handle.net/10281/591101 |
| DOI: |
10.4236/pp.2026.171001 |
| Availability: |
https://hdl.handle.net/10281/591101; https://doi.org/10.4236/pp.2026.171001 |
| Rights: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess ; license:Creative Commons ; license uri:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.DB7E5CF9 |
| Database: |
BASE |