Use of biologically-derived polyphenols for the preparation of epoxy resins is described. Examples of biologically-derived polyphenols include resveratrol, genistein, daidzein, and polyphenols synthesized from tyrosine. Because the epoxy resins are prepared from biologically-derived materials, they provide epoxy resins that will degrade into biologically harmless materials. The epoxy resins can be used to provide coating compositions.