3,4-Dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl-Functionalized Polyethyleneimine for Uranium Chelation

3,4-dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl-functionalized polyethyleneimine (PS), a novel polymeric chelator, was synthesized by conjugating 3,4-dihydroxybenzenesulfonyl (CAM) groups with branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI, MW = 600 Da) via N-acylation. PS demonstrated a high uranium adsorption capacity of 78.08% at a concentration of 4 mg/mL, accompanied by significant selectivity over competing ions such as Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+. Notably, in competitive adsorption experiments, PS exhibited a uranium adsorption rate of 59.49%, which was 3.95 times higher than that of calcium (15.06%) in the Ca2+ system. Cytotoxicity assays revealed enhanced biocompatibility (IC50 = 86.98 μg/mL), surpassing CaNa3-DTPA 3.7-fold. In a uranium exposure model (200 μg/mL), PS significantly improved cell survival rates and reduced intracellular uranium levels by 77.37% (immediate administration) and 64.18% (delayed administration). These findings establish PS as a potent and safe polymeric chelator for uranium decorporation, offering a promising strategy for mitigating the hazards of radioactive materials.