Mussel foot-byssus proteins (mfps) are well known for their strong adhesive properties at different substrate surfaces and wet/underwater conditions. By incorporating the functional groups (mainly catechols etc.) in mussel adhesion proteins into synthetic polymers

a new research area called mussel-inspired artificial polymers has become the focus of academic researches

aiming at obtaining similar or even superior adhesive properties compared with the natural one. Here

we have summarized the recent progress in mussel protein-inspired polymers

which are categorized according to the types of main chain structures. By studying the relationship between the molecular structure and the functional properties of biomimetic materials

we hope to provide some helpful reference and guidance for the design and synthesis of new functional mussel-inspired materials.