The article provides a comprehensive overview of nature-inspired adhesive systems, focusing on the unique micro- and nanostructures and chemical compositions that enable remarkable adhesion properties in biological surfaces. It highlights the importance of these structures and compositions in facilitating tasks such as prey capture and reproduction in various organisms. The article explores the underlying mechanisms of adhesion, including friction, van der Waals forces, capillary forces, and vacuum suction, and discusses the development of artificial adhesives that mimic these natural systems. Special attention is given to stimulus-responsive smart adhesive surfaces with tunable properties. The review also delves into the manufacturing techniques and adhesion assessment methodologies, emphasizing the evolution of biomimetic artificial adhesives and their applications in fields such as biomedical engineering, soft electronics, and industrial manufacturing. The article aims to identify commonalities and differences in recent advancements, discuss current challenges, and outline future directions in the field of bio-inspired adhesives.The article provides a comprehensive overview of nature-inspired adhesive systems, focusing on the unique micro- and nanostructures and chemical compositions that enable remarkable adhesion properties in biological surfaces. It highlights the importance of these structures and compositions in facilitating tasks such as prey capture and reproduction in various organisms. The article explores the underlying mechanisms of adhesion, including friction, van der Waals forces, capillary forces, and vacuum suction, and discusses the development of artificial adhesives that mimic these natural systems. Special attention is given to stimulus-responsive smart adhesive surfaces with tunable properties. The review also delves into the manufacturing techniques and adhesion assessment methodologies, emphasizing the evolution of biomimetic artificial adhesives and their applications in fields such as biomedical engineering, soft electronics, and industrial manufacturing. The article aims to identify commonalities and differences in recent advancements, discuss current challenges, and outline future directions in the field of bio-inspired adhesives.