Bioinspired Melanoidin–Polyphenol Nanocomplex for Hair Protection and Mechanical Reinforcement with Antioxidant Activity
May 2026
in “
Materials Today Bio
”
melanoidin tannic acid nanocomplex UV radiation photoprotective coating UVA absorption broad-spectrum UV shielding ROS accumulation cuticle integrity tensile strength antioxidant pathways apoptosis inflammation UV filters oxidative damage UV protection antioxidant activity hair protection oxidative stress
The study introduces a bioinspired melanoidin/tannic acid (MD/TA) nanocomplex designed to protect hair from UV radiation. This nanocomplex forms a robust, photoprotective coating on hair fibers, leveraging melanoidin's UVA absorption and tannic acid's broad-spectrum UV shielding. It not only provides surface protection but also reprograms oxidative stress responses by reducing ROS accumulation, restoring cuticle integrity, and enhancing tensile strength. At the molecular level, it activates antioxidant pathways while reducing apoptosis and inflammation. This multifunctional platform offers a durable and biocompatible alternative to conventional UV filters, effectively protecting hair from UV-induced oxidative damage.
