A novel photoreactive polymer with histidine polar groups was synthesized through the copolymerization of two types of methacrylic acid, one carrying histidine groups and the other carrying azidoaniline groups. The polymer was photoimmobilized oil polyester disks for surface modification. The effect of the surface modification on the hydrophilic and biofouling properties was investigated. Static contact angle measurements showed that the polymeric surface was modified to be comparatively hydrophilic in the polymer-immobilized region. Micropattern immobilization was carried Out with a photolithographic method. Atomic force microscopy measurements showed that the polymer was formed on the disks in response to ultraviolet irradiation. Protein adsorption was reduced on the polymer-immobilized regions, and in those regions, spreading and adhesion of mammalian cells were reduced in comparison with that in nonimmobilized regions. In conclusion, a novel histidine-containing polymer was photo-reactively, immobilized on a conventional polymer Surface, and it had reduced interaction with proteins and cells. (c) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc, J Appl Polym Sci 112:315-319,2009