Films of poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate), poly(CBMA), grafted onto microetched gold slides are effective in preventing nonspecific adhesion of cells or different types. The degree of adhesion resistance is comparable to that achieved with the self-assembled monolayers, SAMs, of oligo(ethylene glycol) alkanethiolates. In sharp contrast to the SAMs, however, substrates protected with poly(CBMA) can be stored in dry state without losing their protective properties for periods up to 2 weeks.