Dendrimers are radially symmetric nanometer-sized molecules having well-defined, homogenous, and monodisperse structures that include symmetric cores, inner shells, and outer shells. Their three typical macromolecular structure classes are thought to produce polydisperse products with various molecular weights. Multivalency, self-assembly, electrostatic interactions, chemical stability, minimal cytotoxicity, and solubility are among the biological features of dendrimer macromolecules.
Alfa Chemistry offers a diverse selection of dendrimers . Dendrimers, linear dendrimers, and other synthetic macromolecules with multiple branches and a significant number of peripheral groups are known as dendrimers.
Applications:
Dendrimers are a suitable choice for the medical area because of their many features.
Drug-dendrimer couples show high solubility, reduced systemic toxicity and selective accumulation in solid tumors. Different strategies have been proposed to enclose drug molecules, genetic material, targeting agents and dyes in dendrimer structures by encapsulation, complexation or affixation.
These highly branched molecules are available in nanoscale sizes and are excellent candidates for medication delivery.
Fig 1. The process of obtaining the carboplatin conjugate (CPT) encapsulated in the mPEG-G3.5 dendrimer.
- Transdermal drug delivery
Dendritic polymers have been used in transdermal drug delivery systems. In general, dendrimers are a good choice in the field of efficient delivery systems for biologically active drugs that have a hydrophobic portion of the structure and low water solubility.
To maintain DNA activity during dehydration, dendrimer/DNA complexes are encapsulated in water-soluble polymers and then deposited on or sandwiched between functionalized polymer films with rapid degradation rates to mediate gene transfection.
Dendrimer-based metal chelates act as MRI contrast agents.
Although dendritic polymers are single molecules, they can contain a large number of functional groups on their surface. This makes them compelling for applications where covalent linkage or close proximity of a large number of species is important.
- For solubility enhancement
PAMAM dendrimers are expected to have potential applications in enhancing the solubility of drug delivery systems. Dendrimers have a hydrophilic exterior and interior. Dendrimer-based carriers offer the opportunity to enhance the oral bioavailability of problematic drugs.
To improve tumor selectivity, retention and pharmacokinetics, dendrimer delivery of PDT drugs has been investigated in the last years.
Reference
- Vu M.T, et al. (2019). "Modified Carboxyl-Terminated PAMAM Dendrimers as Great Cytocompatible Nano-Based Drug Delivery System." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 20: 2016.
