a method is disclosed herein for treating a polymeric surface to resist non - specific binding of biomolecules and attachment of cells . the method includes the steps of : imparting a charge to the polymeric surface to produce a charged surface ; exposing the charged surface to a nitrogen - rich polymer to form a polymerized surface ; exposing the polymerized surface to an oxidized polysaccharide to form an aldehyde surface ; and exposing the aldehyde surface to a reducing agent . advantageously , a method is provided which produces surfaces that resist non - specific protein binding and cell attachment and that avoids the use of photochemical reactions or prior art specially designed compounds .