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 and machine learning offer powerful tools to decode the glycan code, enabling predictive SAR modeling and rational design of HP-based biomaterials. These approaches, combined with 3D bioprinting, may transform HPs into precision-engineered platforms for spatially and temporally controlled therapies. Future efforts should also focus on elucidating how HPs interact with subcellular organelles and tracking their in vivo metabolic fate, as these insights are essential for closing the gap between natural complexity and clinical standardization.