Herbal polysaccharides – a rising star in engineering multifunctional biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration

Herbal polysaccharides (HPs) derived from traditional Chinese medicine are rapidly emerging as versatile biomaterials in the field of tissue regeneration. These natural glycans function as unique carrier-effector systems that harmonize inherent biocompatibility with profound pharmacological activities. This review systematically surveys recent advances in the immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and gut microbial-regulating activities of HPs. We emphasize that these pharmacological activities are largely dictated by intricate structure-activity relationships, in which parameters such as molecular weight, glycosidic linkages, and branching patterns serve as key determinants. Building on these structural insights, we further explore how strategic chemical modifications, including sulfation, carboxymethylation, and selenization, can precisely tailor the bioactive properties of polysaccharides to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Special emphasis is placed on advanced biomaterial systems, ranging from bio-instructive hydrogels and micro/nanoparticles to microneedles, and on their applications in accelerating tissue regeneration. This review also addresses current challenges related to structural heterogeneity and clinical translation. Looking forward, artificial intelligence offers a promising way to overcome existing limitations in polysaccharide decoding, potentially enabling the predictive design and synergy with 3D bioprinting technologies. Such innovations may transform HPs into precision-engineered platforms for spatially and temporally controlled therapies, ultimately narrowing the gap between natural complexity and clinical standardization.