Dendrimers: synthesis, applications, and properties

Nanoscale Res Lett. 2014 May 21;9(1):247. doi: 10.1186/1556-276X-9-247. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Dendrimers are nano-sized, radially symmetric molecules with well-defined, homogeneous, and monodisperse structure that has a typically symmetric core, an inner shell, and an outer shell. Their three traditional macromolecular architectural classes are broadly recognized to generate rather polydisperse products of different molecular weights. A variety of dendrimers exist, and each has biological properties such as polyvalency, self-assembling, electrostatic interactions, chemical stability, low cytotoxicity, and solubility. These varied characteristics make dendrimers a good choice in the medical field, and this review covers their diverse applications.

Keywords: Dendrimer; Nanoscale; PAMAM; Pseudorotaxane.