Year: 2007
Type: article
Abstract: Dendrimers are new artificial macromolecules which have the structure like a tree. They are hyperbranched and monodisperse three-dimensional molecules with defined molecular weights, large numbers of functional groups on the surface and well-established host-guest entrapment properties. Recently, dendrimers have successfully proved themselves as promising nanocarriers for drug delivery because they can render drug molecules a greater water-solubility, bioavailability, and biocompatibility. In this review, recent progress in the pharmaceutical applications of dendrimers as delivery systems for drugs, particularly, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial/anti-viral and potent anti-cancer drugs is discussed. Three possible interaction mechanisms between dendrimers and drug molecules are presented. In addition, the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of both dendrimer/drug complex and dendrimer-drug conjugation after their administration to animals are evaluated.
Source: Frontiers in bioscience
DOI: 10.2741/2774
Author: Yiyun Cheng
Institution: University of Science and Technology of China
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2012758455