Disclosed are chelating co-polymer compositions that are soluble in aqueous media and chelate essential metals, methods of preparation and uses thereof. The chelating compositions are comprised of two or more different monomers, at least one of which possesses metal binding or metal chelating activity. The chelating compositions are synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization with the aid of a suitable RAFT-mediating agent. Also described are chelating compositions that comprise hydroxypyridinone chelating groups. The ability of the chelating compositions to bind metals affects the activity of a living cells and organisms, which require the metals for cellular functions.