Dendrimers for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2006;17(1-2):3-19. doi: 10.1163/156856206774879171.

Abstract

Dendrimers are a unique class of synthetic macromolecules having a highly branched, three-dimensional, nanoscale architecture with very low polydispersity and high functionality. Structural advantages allow dendrimers to play an important role in the fields of nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. This review discusses several aspects of dendrimers, including preparation, dendrimer-drug coupling chemistry, structural models of dendrimer-based drug delivery systems, and physicochemical and toxicological properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry, Physical
  • Dendrimers / adverse effects
  • Dendrimers / chemical synthesis
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Dendrimers / toxicity
  • Drug Carriers / adverse effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemical synthesis
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / toxicity
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nanostructures

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Drug Carriers