Abstract Alginic acid (Alg) was modified with tyramine (TA), homoveratrylamine (HVTA), and 2-phenylethylamine (PA) to obtain Alg-based adhesives, AlgTA, AlgHVTA, and AlgPA. The adhesiveness of the modified Algs were evaluated and compared with previously reported catechol-modified alginate, AlgDA. AlgTA showed adhesion tendency differently from AlgDA, depending on the incorporation ratios of TA. AlgHVTA with protected phenolic hydroxy groups showed lower adhesiveness than AlgDA for mica surfaces, but higher for polymethyl methacrylate surfaces. AlgPA without a phenolic hydroxy group also exhibited moderate adhesiveness for mica.