The modification of surfaces by functional coatings or postmodification of films to control the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) is carried out. Surface functionalization with maleimido groups is achieved by spin coating of dextran derivatives. The layers are stabilized on the support material during thermal treatment or cross-linking. The thin films are characterized by atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surface morphology, hydrophobicity, swelling behavior, and reactivity of dextran furfuryl carbamate bismaleimide adduct are suitable for the preparation of surfaces containing cysteine by thiol-ene reaction. The different functional surfaces obtained are investigated regarding their BSA adsorption behavior. Up to 9 mg m(-2) of BSA are adsorbed on the nanorough, hydrophilized films at different pH values (4, 6, and 8.5) and thus a blocking layer can be obtained. The BSA layer may resist nonspecific adsorption of biological molecules and can be interesting for prevention of biofilm formation on medical devices.