Functional roles and applications of polysaccharides in biomedical and food systems

Polysaccharides are renewable biopolymers widely used in biomedical and food systems because of their structural diversity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. This review summarizes recent progress in the use of major polysaccharides, including alginate, chitosan, gellan gum, heparin, and cellulose, in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and food-related applications. Particular attention is given to structure function relationships, controlled release behavior, bioactivity, and material performance in sustainable packaging and functional food design. Current limitations related to processing, stability, and regulatory translation are also discussed. Overall, polysaccharide-based materials provide versatile platforms for the development of safer medical technologies and sustainable food systems.