3,4-Dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl-Functionalized Polyethyleneimine for Uranium Chelation.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Polymeric chelators are crucial for removing toxic heavy metals.
• Developing efficient and biocompatible chelators for uranium decorporation remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel polymeric chelator, 3,4-dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl-functionalized polyethyleneimine (PS).
• To evaluate the uranium adsorption capacity, selectivity, and biocompatibility of PS.
• To assess the efficacy of PS in a uranium exposure model for decorporation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of PS via N-acylation of branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) with 3,4-dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl (CAM) groups.
• Uranium adsorption experiments to determine capacity and selectivity against competing ions (Ca2+, Zn2+, Cu2+).
• Cytotoxicity assays (IC50) and in vitro uranium exposure models to evaluate biocompatibility and decorporation efficacy.

Main Results:

• PS exhibited a high uranium adsorption capacity (78.08% at 4 mg/mL) with significant selectivity over Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+.
• In competitive adsorption, PS showed a 3.95-fold higher uranium adsorption rate than calcium.
• PS demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility (IC50 = 86.98 μg/mL), 3.7 times better than CaNa3-DTPA.
• PS significantly improved cell survival and reduced intracellular uranium by 77.37% (immediate) and 64.18% (delayed) in exposure models.

Conclusions:

• PS is a potent and safe polymeric chelator for uranium decorporation.
• The synthesized PS offers a promising strategy for mitigating the health risks associated with radioactive materials.
• Further research into PS applications for radioactive metal remediation is warranted.