Abstract: Polyphenol-based composite materials are a new type of complex that is synthesized by the interaction of polyphenol with a variety of compounds or elements through covalent or non-covalent bonds, mainly including the biomacromolecules polysaccharide, protein and phospholipid as well as metal elements. The poor aqueous solubility, stability and bioavailability of some natural polyphenols can be improved by synthesizing composite materials to enhance the targeted release of the polyphenols as oral nutraceuticals or drugs. The polyphenol-based composite materials can also be applied as plant antimicrobials. This practice can greatly expand the application of polyphenols in the fields of food, medicine and agricultural product quality and safety. On the basis of an extensive literature review, this paper summarizes the types, structural characteristics and functional properties of polyphenol composites as well as the current status of the application of polyphenol composites. Finally, we conclude some reasonable suggestions to solve the problems existing in the current research and for key research directions in the future.

Key words: phenolic compounds; composite materials; functional properties; current status of application