The work aims to review the latest research progress of bio-based sizing agents at home and abroad and provide ideas and theoretical basis for the industrial development of high quality bio-based sizing agents. Based on the understanding of the sizing mechanism, the "structure-function relationship" of existing bio-based sizing agents (rosin sizing agents, plant oil sizing agents and polysaccharide sizing agents) was summarized and analyzed. By controlling the physical and chemical modification of the bio-based raw materials, the functional bio-based sizing agents with excellent water resistance, oil resistance, together with water vapor barrier were obtained without destroying the strength of the paper. Bio-based sizing agent with advantages of wide raw material sources, adjustable structure, non-toxicity and biodegradability have broad application prospects in the future paper packaging materials.