Polyethyleneimine Methylenecarboxylate: a macromolecular DTPA analogue to chelate plutonium(IV)

Up until now, molecular chelating agents, such as the diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) have been the standard methode for actinide human decorporation. Active mainly in blood serum, their distribution within the body is thus limited. In order to treat a wider range of organs affected by plutonium contamination, a potential new class of macromolecular decorporation agents is being studied. Polyethyleneimine methylenecarboxylate (PEI-MC) is one such example. It is being considered here because of its capacity for targeting the liver and bones.