Time-dependent mussel-inspired functionalization of poly(l-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) substrates for tunable cell behaviors

► In this study, we characterized time-dependent polydopamine deposition on a model synthetic biodegradable polymer surface as a novel surface modification. ► As compared to conventional modification techniques, the present functionalization process is simple and robust with minimal loss of their intrinsic mechanical properties. ► Our results further demonstrated the precise relationship between polydopamine coating and adhesion and proliferation of myoblasts. ► Hence, we believe that our findings could improve our knowledge on dopamine-mediated coating on the surface of synthetic biomaterials.