Marine mussel-like organisms secrete adhesion proteins through foot filaments that can solidify for a short time in a humid environment and adhere tightly to the substrate surface. Studies have shown that 3

4-dihydroxy-Lphenylalanine (dopa

DOPA) is an important component of this adhesion protein. Dopamine (DA)

a derivative of DOPA

possessed the same strong adhesion properties. Moreover

the self-polymerization product of dopamine

polydopamine (PDA)

has many functional groups

such as catechol

amine

and imine

which can be further used as reactive groups in materials. Based on these excellent properties

dopamine is often applied in the surface modification of materials. In this paper

we reviewed the polymerization mechanism and adhesion properties of dopamine and their current applications in the fields of biomaterials

environment and medicine

and presented the prospect of dopamine in surface modification and the problems at the present stage.