The present invention provides articles resistant to the adsorption of proteins, cells and bacteria. The articles can either have a chemical chain bonded thereon where the chemical chain can comprise a terminal group free of a hydrogen bond donor or where a hydrogen bond donor is sufficiently buried such that an exposed surface of the article including the chemical chain is free of a hydrogen bond donor. The chemical chain, or plurality of chemical chains, can comprise a monolayer such as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) which can be homogeneous (one type of SAM) or mixed, i.e. or more different types of SAMs. Other more specific examples of chemical chains are provided. The plurality of chemical chains can comprise a polymer such as a polyamine. In many aspects, the plurality of chemical chains is sufficiently free of cross-linking or branching. The present invention also provides an article capable of specific binding of a desired biomolecule while preventing non-specific binding of biomolecules.