Biomimetic PDMS-hydroxyurethane terminated with catecholic moieties for chemical grafting on transition metal oxide-based surfaces

•A biomimetic molecule based on catechol moieties and polydimethylsiloxane for surface grafting is proposed.•The grafting of PDMSUr-Dopamine molecule onto silica surface occurs through both catechol groups according experimental and theoretical results.•PDMSUr-Dopamine changes the surface free energy as shown by the high contact angles of metallic surfaces after treatment in a PDMSUr-Dopamine solution.