Abstract: Inspired by the phenomenon that mussels can adhere firmly to the surface of media in the wet environment, researchers have identified the important role of catechol groups in the adhesion process of mussels. Thus, scientists have developed a variety of mussel-like catechol-modified hydrogel functional materials. Herein, this review summarizes the most recent progress in the fabrication of catechol-modified multifunctional biomacromolecule hydrogels crosslinked by coordination with metal ions, and the discussed biomacromolecules involve chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, protein, polypeptide and gelatin. Focus is on the modification of biomacromolecules by catechol groups, fabrication method, gelling mechanism, multifunctionality and potential application of these hydrogels.