This paper describes the design and preparation of thin polymeric films tha
t resist the adsorption of proteins and the adhesion of bacteria to an exte
nt comparable to, or better than, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that pre
sent tri(ethylene glycol) groups. These polymeric films were prepared by th
e reaction of a polyamine, for example, poly(ethylenimine), with a SAM that
presented interchain carboxylic anhydride groups, and by the subsequent co
nversion of the amino groups of the polymer to amido groups on reaction wit
h acyl chlorides. Polyamines functionalized with acetyl chloride produced f
ilms that resisted the adsorption of protein and the adhesion of bacteria t
o a useful extent. Functionalization of the polyamine with acyl chlorides t
hat were derivatives of oligo(ethylene glycol) resulted in films that were
1-10 times more resistant than those obtained by acetylation. The removal o
f hydrogen bond donor groups from the surface of the polyamines upon acylat
ion seems to be important for the generation of films that resist the attac
hment of proteins and bacteria.