Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays

In this comprehensive study, we delve into the intricate binding properties of tannic acid (TA) and examine their dual role in the realm of biomaterial development. While TA’s properties can enhance the functionality and performance of biomaterials, they also raise concerns regarding potential biase...

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Main Authors: Silvia Cometta, Dietmar Werner Hutmacher
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Bioengineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/6/660
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author Silvia Cometta
Dietmar Werner Hutmacher
author_facet Silvia Cometta
Dietmar Werner Hutmacher
author_sort Silvia Cometta
collection DOAJ
description In this comprehensive study, we delve into the intricate binding properties of tannic acid (TA) and examine their dual role in the realm of biomaterial development. While TA’s properties can enhance the functionality and performance of biomaterials, they also raise concerns regarding potential biases in in vitro biocompatibility assessments. We focus on the relevance and constraints of several widely employed cell viability assays, namely the DNA-based PicoGreen assay, the PrestoBlue assay, and the Live/Dead staining technique utilizing fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI). We investigate how these assays perform when applied to TA-coated scaffolds and cell sheets. Through a detailed presentation of our experimental findings, we juxtapose them through a critical review of the existing literature, allowing us to identify and elucidate the limitations these assays face when assessing TA-based biomaterials. In doing so, we aim not only to enhance the understanding of these potential assay biases but also to provide actionable recommendations for accurately evaluating the biocompatibility of TA-modified substances. This dual approach, combining empirical research with literature analysis, offers vital insights for the research community, ensuring that the assessment of TA-coated biomaterials is scientifically sound and reproducible.
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spelling doaj-art-8a5943f2b4a046939384f4bb02f640dc2025-08-20T02:24:35ZengMDPI AGBioengineering2306-53542025-06-0112666010.3390/bioengineering12060660Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic AssaysSilvia Cometta0Dietmar Werner Hutmacher1Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AustraliaFaculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, AustraliaIn this comprehensive study, we delve into the intricate binding properties of tannic acid (TA) and examine their dual role in the realm of biomaterial development. While TA’s properties can enhance the functionality and performance of biomaterials, they also raise concerns regarding potential biases in in vitro biocompatibility assessments. We focus on the relevance and constraints of several widely employed cell viability assays, namely the DNA-based PicoGreen assay, the PrestoBlue assay, and the Live/Dead staining technique utilizing fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and propidium iodide (PI). We investigate how these assays perform when applied to TA-coated scaffolds and cell sheets. Through a detailed presentation of our experimental findings, we juxtapose them through a critical review of the existing literature, allowing us to identify and elucidate the limitations these assays face when assessing TA-based biomaterials. In doing so, we aim not only to enhance the understanding of these potential assay biases but also to provide actionable recommendations for accurately evaluating the biocompatibility of TA-modified substances. This dual approach, combining empirical research with literature analysis, offers vital insights for the research community, ensuring that the assessment of TA-coated biomaterials is scientifically sound and reproducible.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/6/660tannic acidbiocompatibilitycytotoxicityDNAPrestoBlue
spellingShingle Silvia Cometta
Dietmar Werner Hutmacher
Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
Bioengineering
tannic acid
biocompatibility
cytotoxicity
DNA
PrestoBlue
title Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
title_full Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
title_fullStr Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
title_full_unstemmed Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
title_short Assessing the Biocompatibility of Tannic Acid-Based Biomaterials: Addressing Challenges in Standard Cytotoxic Assays
title_sort assessing the biocompatibility of tannic acid based biomaterials addressing challenges in standard cytotoxic assays
topic tannic acid
biocompatibility
cytotoxicity
DNA
PrestoBlue
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/6/660
work_keys_str_mv AT silviacometta assessingthebiocompatibilityoftannicacidbasedbiomaterialsaddressingchallengesinstandardcytotoxicassays
AT dietmarwernerhutmacher assessingthebiocompatibilityoftannicacidbasedbiomaterialsaddressingchallengesinstandardcytotoxicassays