Biomedical engineering applications of tea and its derivatives

Tea and its derivatives are widely used in biomedical engineering owing to their diverse biologically active components, such as tea polyphenols and caffeine. Various biologically significant substances can be obtained through preparative purification methods, including solvent extraction and metal ion precipitation. These active constituents exhibit excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antiviral properties and hold substantial potential for applications in biomedical domains, such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering. For example, in drug delivery systems, carriers such as nanoliposomes and hydrogels enable precise control over drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, in tissue engineering, the formation of metal–polyphenol networks play a crucial role in the repair of skin, bone, nerve, and vascular tissues. Nevertheless, tea-derived compounds encounter challenges related to stability, degradation, and clinical translation. This review examines the current status and recent advancements in research regarding tea and its derivatives in biomedical engineering, focusing on their preparation techniques, chemical modification strategies, and mechanisms of action in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor applications. The study aims to provide a scientific foundation and technical guidance for developing novel biomedical materials and the comprehensive utilization of tea resources, thereby fostering innovation in related fields.