© 2016 Elsevier B.V. There has been a lack of success in using synthetic nerve guides to close long lesion gaps. However, new approaches in molecular design, synthesis and fabrication offer great promise. In this study, a 13.56 MHz inductively-coupled discharge plasma reactor with an ammonia and argon gas mix was used to modify the surfaces of synthetic, biodegradable copolyester poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL, 70:30 mol%) electrospun membranes. The presence of [sbnd]NH 2 groups on the PLCL surface were revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Vibrational calculation of NH 3 adsorbed on the membrane surface of PLCL was determined through DFT calculations. Membranes of PLCL treated with NH 3 showed significantly greater hydrophilicities which were a consequence of the NH 3 plasma-induced polar groups. Treated membranes had reduced cell adhesion barriers and consequently greater cell adhesion suggesting enhanced biocompatibilities compared to their untreated counterparts. Thus, PLCL membranes treated with NH 3 plasma have been shown to be promising materials for use as absorbable nerve guides.