Abstract
Dendrimers are hyper branched macro molecules with well-defined structure and high degree of functionality on the surface. The dendrimer architecture allows control over properties such as shape, size, density, polarity, reactivity, solubility etc. These special features can be exploited to design molecules having desired properties used for biomedical applications. Recent advancements in correlation between structure and biodegradability and in vivo performance are opening up new avenues for these molecules; particularly, in biological applications like drug delivery. The unique structure of dendrimers provides enough attachment sites for drugs. Further, it is possible to tune the molecules in such a way so that the drug molecules are encapsulated outside the target area and are released only in the local environment of targets. This review presents some general aspects of dendrimers and how their properties are exploited for drug delivery applications.
Keywords: Biomedical applications, conjugation, dendrimer, pharmaceutical, drug delivery systems, encapsulation, prodrug.
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Dendrimers: General Aspects, Applications and Structural Exploitations as Prodrug/Drug-delivery Vehicles in Current Medicine
Volume: 18 Issue: 5
Author(s): Merina Mariyam, Kajal Ghosal*, Sabu Thomas, Nandakumar Kalarikkal and Mahima S. Latha*
Affiliation:
- Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills, Kottayam, Kerala 686560,India
- Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills, Kottayam, Kerala 686560,India
Keywords: Biomedical applications, conjugation, dendrimer, pharmaceutical, drug delivery systems, encapsulation, prodrug.
Abstract: Dendrimers are hyper branched macro molecules with well-defined structure and high degree of functionality on the surface. The dendrimer architecture allows control over properties such as shape, size, density, polarity, reactivity, solubility etc. These special features can be exploited to design molecules having desired properties used for biomedical applications. Recent advancements in correlation between structure and biodegradability and in vivo performance are opening up new avenues for these molecules; particularly, in biological applications like drug delivery. The unique structure of dendrimers provides enough attachment sites for drugs. Further, it is possible to tune the molecules in such a way so that the drug molecules are encapsulated outside the target area and are released only in the local environment of targets. This review presents some general aspects of dendrimers and how their properties are exploited for drug delivery applications.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Mariyam Merina , Ghosal Kajal *, Thomas Sabu , Kalarikkal Nandakumar and Latha S. Mahima *, Dendrimers: General Aspects, Applications and Structural Exploitations as Prodrug/Drug-delivery Vehicles in Current Medicine, Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry 2018; 18 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557517666170512095151
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1389557517666170512095151 |
Print ISSN 1389-5575 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5607 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Bioprospecting of Natural Products as Sources of New Multitarget Therapies
According to the Convention on Biological Diversity, bioprospecting is the exploration of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge to develop commercially valuable products for pharmaceutical and other applications. Bioprospecting involves searching for useful organic compounds in plants, fungi, marine organisms, and microorganisms. Natural products traditionally constituted the primary source of more than ...read more
Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry
The thematic issue "Computational Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry" provides a robust platform for delving into state-of-the-art computational methodologies and technologies that significantly propel advancements in medicinal chemistry. This edition seeks to amalgamate top-tier reviews spotlighting the latest trends and breakthroughs in the fusion of computational approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) ...read more
Natural Products and Dietary Supplements in Alleviation of Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neurological Disorders
Metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity, inflammation, oxidative stress, cancer etc, cardiovascular disorders like angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure etc as well as neurological disorders like Alzheimer?s, Parkinson?s, Epilepsy, Depression, etc are the global burden. They covered the major segment of the diseases and disorders from which the human community ...read more
Natural Products in Drug Discovery
Natural products have always been one of the important ways of drug discovery due to their novel skeleton and diverse functional group characteristics. According to statistics, between 1981 and 2019, the FDA approved a total of 1,394 small molecule drugs for marketing, of which 930 marketed drugs originated from the ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Use of Diuretics in Women for Management of Hypertension
Current Hypertension Reviews The Role of Statins for the Primary and Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease in Women
Current Pharmaceutical Design CD36 as a Multiple-Ligand Signaling Receptor in Atherothrombosis
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Carbohydrate based Potential Chemotherapeutic Agents: Recent Developments and their Scope in Future Drug Discovery
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Oxygen and Ethanol: A Potential Combination Therapy in Stroke
Current Medicinal Chemistry Crucial Role of Interferon-γ and Stimulated Macrophages in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology The Current Role of Statin Therapy in the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Vitamin D and Cardiovascular Disease
Current Vascular Pharmacology Multiple Hormonal Dysregulation as Determinant of Low Physical Performance and Mobility in Older Persons
Current Pharmaceutical Design Fluoride Effects: The Two Faces of Janus
Current Medicinal Chemistry Possible Involvement of TRP Channels in Cardiac Hypertrophy and Arrhythmia
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Gold Nanoparticles - Synthesis and Applications in Cancer Management
Recent Patents on Materials Science Is the Evolutionary Programmed/ Non-programmed Aging Argument Moot?
Current Aging Science Short Term, Low Dose Simvastatin Pretreatment Alters Memory Immune Function Following Secondary Staphylococcus aureus Infection
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Potential Prognostic, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Markers for In-stent Reocclusion in Advanced Age Patients After Coronary Stenting
Current Pharmaceutical Design A Review of Feature Extraction from ECG Signals and Classification/ Detection for Ventricular Arrhythmias
Recent Advances in Computer Science and Communications Child Abuse and Neglect and its Psycho-Physical and Social Consequences: A Review of the Literature
Current Pediatric Reviews Averrhoa bilimbi L. leaf Aqueous Extract Modulates both Cardiac Contractility and Frequency in the Guinea-pig Atrium by the Activation of Muscarinic Receptors
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Dual or Single Antiplatelet Therapy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Roles of MicroRNAs in Heart Diseases: A Novel Important Regulator
Current Medicinal Chemistry