DENDRIMERS: A NOVEL POLYMER FOR DRUG DELIVERY

Abstract

Dendrimers are a unique class of synthetic macromolecules having highly branched, three dimensional, nanoscale architecture with very low polydispersity and high functionality. These features have made their application in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry particularly attractive. This review briefly discusses the various aspect of dendrimer including properties, preparation of dendrimers types, characterization, and their use as pharmaceutical, therapeutic, diagnostic agent and their potential for applications in drug delivery. The biocompatibility of dendrimers follows patterns known from other small particles. Synthetic approaches lead to a dendritic architecture with properties amenable to modifications of shape, size, polarity, surface properties and internal structure. The bioactive agents can be easily encapsulated into the interior of the dendrimers or chemically attached i.e. conjugated or physically adsorbed onto the dendrimer surface, serving the desired properties of the carrier to the specific needs of the active material and its therapeutic applications. This review clearly demonstrates the various application of dendrimer and indeed substantiates the high hopes for future.