OBJECTIVE: To review the research advance of the preparation and characteristics of small intestinal submucosa(SIS). METHODS: Recent original articles related to such aspects of small intestinal submucosa were reviewed extensively. RESULTS: Small intestinal submucosa was an easily obtained biomaterial. SIS was a bio-absorbable and degradable material. SIS had tissue specific regeneration properties. CONCLUSION: SIS is a suitable bio-derived material for tissue engineering of blood vessel, muscle tendon, urinary bladder and abdomen.