Abstract: The basis for the formation of protein-polysaccharide complexes is intermolecular interactions, including covalent and non-covalent interactions. Under specific processing conditions, proteins and polysaccharides can be assembled together to form multi-scale complexes at the molecular, microscopic and macroscopic levels, driven by intermolecular forces. Regulating the formation of the multi-scale structure of protein-polysaccharide complexes for the synergistic effect of various components is of great significance for designing protein-polysaccharide complexes with specific or new functions. Beginning with an overview of the interactions between protein and polysaccharide molecules, this paper summarizes the formation of the multi-scale structure of protein-polysaccharide complexes and their influence on functional characteristics, and discusses future prospects for the application of protein-polysaccharide multi-scale complex systems, in order to provide references for the design and development of protein-polysaccharide complex products with excellent functions.

Key words: protein; polysaccharide; interaction; multi-scale structure; complex systems; application