Cell adhesion is a prime concern whenever synthetic polymeric scaffolds are used for tissue engineering. Low pressure plasma deposition of functional coatings on these scaffolds was effective in enhancing cell adhesion. Thus, the aim of this study was to direct cells towards the core of synthetic polymeric scaffolds via plasma deposition of coatings with different cell repulsive character. Polycaprolactone was utilized for the fabrication of the 3D porous scaffolds (150-300 μm pore diameter) using the solvent casting/ particulate leaching technique. The prepared samples were divided into six groups: group 1 (control group) was untreated. The other five groups were subjected to different plasma modification strategies: Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of PEO-like coatings with different cell repulsive character at power inputs 5 and 10 W (groups 2 and 3), oxygen plasma treatment (group 4), and O2 pre-treatment followed by the same discharge conditions applied for groups 2 and 3 (groups 5 and 6). Chemical characterization, wettability and in-vitro degradation test of the scaffolds was carried out. Scaffolds were seeded with Saos-2 osteoblast cell line and cell viability was assessed via Mitochondrial Metabolism Respiratory Toxicity colorimetric assay. Cells were fixed and stained with phalloidin to assess cell distribution at the surface and within the core of the scaffolds by fluorescent microscopic analysis. Cell morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical characterization revealed a non-uniform coating with stronger contribution of ether COR (COH) groups on the PEO 5W coated scaffolds; without or with O2 pre-treatment, compared to PEO 10W coatings. Oxygen plasma treatment resulted in highly hydrophilic scaffolds. Similar degradation profiles were observed in all scaffolds irrespective of their treatment. For all test groups, an increase in cell proliferation was noted after three and five days of cell culture. PEO 10W coatings improved the colonization of osteoblasts after five days; both on the top and within the core of the scaffold whereas PEO 5W coatings improved the homogeneity of cell distribution throughout the scaffold. SEM images showed preferential engagement of cells to both the periphery and walls of the pores of all scaffolds.