Chitooligosaccharides(COS),as the degradation products of the natural polysaccharide chitosan(CS),retain the good biocompatibility,non-toxicity,and biodegradability of CS.Additionally,due to the shortened sugar chains and reduced molecular weight,their water solubility and bioactivity are improved,making them more easily absorbed and utilized by organisms.In recent years,COS has received increasing attention.While there are numerous studies on the biological functions of CS and its applications in the biomedical field,the research on the functions and applications of COS is relatively limited.This study summarizes and analyzes the main biological functions of COS(anti-inflammatory,anti-tumor,antibacterial,and tissue regeneration promotion)and their possible mechanisms.It also discusses the research progress in the applications of COS in the biomedical field,in order to provide the theoretical basis and reference for the further research and broader application of COS in biomedicine.