PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS

June 2016; vol. 3 (Issue 3): 275-287.

www.onlinepbe.com ISSN 2394-0859

Review Article

Dendrimers: a potential carrier for targeted drug delivery

system
Awani Kumar Rai, Ruchi Tiwari, Priyanka Maurya*, Pooja Yadav

Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology, Kanpur, U.P., India

*For correspondence ABSTRACT

Priyanka Maurya,
Research Scholar
Pranveer Singh Institute of
Technology, Kanpur, U.P.,
India.
Email: priyankamaurya
22061992@gmail.com
Received: 28 March 2016
Revised: 01 April 2016
Accepted: 14 April 2016
Novel drug delivery system aims to deliver the drug at a rate directed by
the needs of the body during the period of treatment, and target the active
entity to the site of action. A number of novel drug delivery systems have
emerged encompassing various routes of administration, to achieve
controlled and targeted drug delivery, dendrimer carriers being one of
them. Dendrimers are highly branched, star-shaped macromolecules with
nanometer-scale dimensions. It is a novel three dimensional structure and
these three components are: a central core, an interior dendritic structure
(the branches), and an exterior surface with functional surface groups. It is
also improve the physical, chemical properties due to their structure. Its
other properties like very small size, polyvalenc, monodispersit, stability
make it an appropriate carrier for delivering drugs with precision and
selectivity. The terminal groups are modified to attach biologically active
substances for targeting purpose. Dendrimers are suitable for a wide range
of targeted drug delivery, controlled drug delivery, gene delivery and
industrial applications. Cationic surfaces of dendrimers show cytotoxicity,
derivatization with fatty acid or PEG chains, reducing the overall charge
density and minimizing contact between cell surfaces and dendrimers can
reduce toxic effects. Different types of products are formulated by using
dendrimers for treatment of many diseases. The present review has
focused on the different strategies of their synthesis, different methods of
drug entraptment, drug delivery and targeting, its applications, interactions
involved in formation of drug-dendrimer complex along with
characterization techniques employed for their evaluation, toxicity
problems.
Keywords: Dendrimers, Targeted drug deliver, PAMAM, PPI, Synthesis,
Divergen, Convergent, Application

Introduction branches. In the recent past it has been found

Polymer chemistry and technology have
traditionally focused on linear polymers, which
are widely in use. Linear macro-molecules only
occasionally contain some smaller or longer
that the properties of highly branched
macromolecules can be very different from
conventional polymers. The structure of these
materials has also a great impact on their
applications. First discovered in the early 198 by

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1980’s by Donald.1 These hyperbranched
molecules were called dendrimers. The term
originates from ‘dendron’ meaning a tree in
Greek. At the same time, Newkome’s group.2
Tomalia and co-workers, in the beginning the
research on dendrimers focused on the synthesis,
characterization, and properties of perfect
dendrimers of higher generations. For the
synthesis of dendrimers constructed by step-by-
step sequences, two fundamentally different
strategies, the divergent approach and
convergent approach, were employed.3
Dendrimer chemistry is a rapidly expanding
field for both basic and applicative reasons.
From a topological viewpoint, dendrimers
contain three different regions: core, branches
and surface. Another important property of
dendrimers is the presence of internal cavities
where ions or neutral molecules can be hosted.
Such a property can potentially be exploited for
a variety of purposes, which include catalysis
and drug delivery.4
Targeted drug delivery
Target drug delivery system may also be
referred to as smart drug delivery system.8 Is the
currently used form of drug delivery system
where the pharmacologically active drug (or
pro-drug in some cases) is targeted or is
delivered specifically to the site of action.
Targeted drug delivery extensively used for
selective and effective localization of
pharmacologically active moiety at pre-
determined target in therapeutic concentration,
while restricting its access to non-target normal
cellular linings, thus minimizing toxic effects
and maximizing therapeutic index. Targeting of
drugs also help us to bypass first pass
metabolism so a drug can be administered in a
form such that it reaches the receptor sites in
sufficient concentration without disturbing in
extraneous tissue cells. Products based on such a
delivery system are being prepared by
considering the Specific properties of target
cells, Nature of markers or transport carriers or
vehicles, which convey drug to specific
receptors and Ligands and physically modulated
components.5
©Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations
Ideally targeted drug delivery system should
have following characteristics:
 Should be biochemically inert (non-toxic)
 Should be non-immunogenic.
 Should be physically and chemically stable
in vivo and in vitro conditions.
 Should have restricted drug distribution to
target cells or tissues or organs and should have
uniform capillary distribution.
 Should have Controllable and predictable
rate of drug release and also Drug release should
not affect the drug action.
 Should have therapeutic amount of drug
release.
 Should have minimal drug leakage during
transit.
 Carriers used should be bio-degradable or
readily eliminated from the body without any
problem.
 The preparation of the delivery system
should be easy or reasonably simple,
reproductive and cost effective.5
Types of drug targeting
These two approaches are used for drug
targeting. An ideal targeted drug delivery
approach would not only increase therapeutic
efficacy of drug but also decrease the toxicity
associated with drug to allow lower doses of the
drug to be used in therapy.6
Active targeting
Active targeting means a specific ligand–
receptor type interaction for intracellular
localization which occurs only after
bloodcirculation and extravasations. This active
targeting approach can be further classified into
three different levels of targeting which are,
 First order targeting refers to restricted
distribution of the drug carrier systems to the
capillary bed of a predetermined target site,
organ or tissue e.g. compartmental targeting in
lymphatics, peritoneal cavity, plural cavity,
cerebral ventricles and eyes, joints.
 Second order targeting refers to selective
delivery of drugs to specific cell types such as
tumour cells and not to the normal cells e.g.
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selective drug delivery to kupffer cells in the

liver.

 Third order targeting refers to drug delivery

specifically to the intracellular site of targeted
cells e.g. receptor based ligand mediated entry of
a drug complex into a cell by endocytosis. 6

Passive targeting

It refers to the accumulation of drug or drug-

carrier system at a particular (like in case of anti-
cancerous drug) site whose explanation may be
attributed to physicochemical or pharma-
cological factors of the disease. Hence in case of
cancer treatment the size and surface properties
of drug delivery nanoparticles must be
controlled specifically to avoid uptake by the
reticulo-endothelial system (RES), to maximize
circulation times and targeting ability. For
attaining such conditions the optimal size should
be less than 100 nm in diameter and the surface
should be hydrophilic to circumvent clearance
by macrophages (large phagocytic cells of the
RES)2 Other examples include targeting of anti-
malarial drugs for treatment of leishmiansis,
brucellosis, candiadsis.7
Structure of dendrimers
Dendrimers are built from a starting atom, such
as nitrogen, to which carbon and other elements
are added by a repeating series of chemical
reactions that produce a spherical branching
structure. As the process repeats, successive
layers are added and the sphere can be expanded
to the desired size by the investigator. The final
entity is spherical macromolecular structure
whose size is similar to blood albumin and
haemoglobin.Dendrimers possess three separate
architectural Components.9
 An initiator core
 Interior layers (generations) composed of
repeating units, radically attached to the interior
core.
 Exterior (terminal functionality) attached to
the outermost interior generations.The structure
of dendrimers are shown in Figure 1.10
Dendrimers consist of three basic components:
the shell, pincer and end group (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Structure of dendrimers.9,10
Three dimensional projection of dendrimer of core shell
architecture for G=4.5 PAMAM dendrimer with principle
architecture component(I)core,(II)interior and (III) surface
The dendrimer shell is the homo-structural
spatial segment between the focal points, the
“generation space”. The “outer shell” is the
space between the last outer branching point and
the surface. The “inner shells” are generally
referred to as the dendrimer interior.10
In dendrimers, the outer shell consists of a
varying number of pincers created by the last
focal point before reaching the dendrimer
surface. In PPI and PAMAM dendrimers the
number of pincers is half the number of surface
groups (because in these dendrimers the chain
divides into two chains in each focal point ).10
End group is also generally referred to as the
“terminal group” or the “surface group” of the
dendrimer. Dendrimers having amine end-
groups are termed “amino-terminated
dendrimers”.10
Ideal properties of dendrimers
 Dendrimers are monodisperse macro-
molecules, unlike linear polymers.
 Dendrimers have some unique properties
because of their globular shape and the presence
of internal cavities. The most important one is
the possibility to encapsulate guest molecules in
the macromolecule interior.
 Dendrimers have been applied in in vitro
diag- nostics. Dade Internati-onal Inc. (U.S.A.)
has in- troduced a new method in cardiac testing.
Proteins present in a blood sample bind to

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immunoglobulins which are fixed by dendrimers
to a sheet of glass. The result shows if there is
any heart (2.5 and 3.5) are weaker.
 Anionic dendrimers, bearing a carboxylate
surface, are not cytotoxic over a broad
concentration range.11
 Dendrimers are Inert and non-toxic.
 It is Biodegradable.
 Non-immunogenic.
 Able to cross barriers such as intestine,
blood-tissue barriers, cell membranes etc.
 Able to stay in circulation for the time
needed to have a clinical effect.
 Able to target to specific structures.
 Compatible with guest molecules.
 Must protect the drug until it reaches to the
desired site of action and release the drug.12
Types of dendrimers
Dendrimer can be differentiated on the basis of
their shape, end functional groups and internal
cavities which can be classified in Table 1.13-20
Technology of dendrimers
production
Divergent method
As mentioned earlier, the first applied method of
dendrimer synthesis was the divergent method
proposed by the Tomalia group21. In this method
growth of dendrimers originates from a core site.
The core is reacted with two or more moles of
reagent containing at least two protecting
branching sites, followed by removal of the
protecting groups, lead to the first generation
dendrimers. This process is repeated until the
dendrimer of the described size is obtained. By
this approach the first synthesized dendrimers
were polyamidoamines (PAMAM), also known
as starbust dendrimers.22
The major disadvantage of this approach is that
the incomplete growth and the side reactions
lead to imperfect dendrimers. To minimize these
side reactions and imperfections, it’s
recommended to use a large excess of reagents.
©Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations
The divergent growth reaction of dendrimer can
be shown in Figure 2.23
Figure 2: Divergent method.23
Convergent method
Convergent dendrimer growth begins at what
will end up being the surface of the dendrimer,
and works inwards by graduall- y linking surface
units together with more. When the growing
wedges are large enough, several are attached to
a suitable core to give a complete dendrimer.
convergent growth method has several
advantages like relatively easy to purify the
desired product, occurrence of defects in the
final structure is minimised, does not allow the
formation of high generation dendrimer because
stearic problems occur in the reactions of the
dendrons and the core molecule.21
The convergent growth reaction of dendrimer
can show in Figure 3.23
Figure 3: Convergent method.23
Double exponential and mixed growth
In this approach two products (monomers for
both convergent and divergent growth) are
reacted together to give an orthogonal- ly
protected trimer, which may be used to repeat
the growth process again. Strength of double
exponential growth is more subtle than the
ability to build large dendrimers in relatively
few steps.24
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Table 1: Type of dendrimers.

S.NO. Type of Synthesis Example Identification

dendrimer
1. PAMAM (Poly Divergent Dendritech These are spheroidal or ellipsoidal in shape.13 It
Amido TM has high solubility and reactivity due to incidence
Amine) (USA) of a number of functional end groups and empty
Dendrimer internal cavities.14,15

2. PPI (Poly Divergent Asramol by Its core structure is based on Di amino butane with
Propylene DSM primary amines as end groups and tertiary
Imine ) (Netherlands) propylene amines as center. These are
Dendrimer commercially available up to G-5 and are
extensively used in material science and biology.16
3. Chiral Convergent chiral The chirality of the dendrimers was based
Dendrimer dendrimers upon the building of constitutionally different but
derived from chemically alike branches
pentaerythritol to chiral core.17
4. Multilingual Convergent VivaGel These are the dendrimers which hold multiple
Dendrimers copies of a particular functional group on their
surface.18
5. Tecto Divergent Mercapto These were made up of core dendrimers, which
Dendrimers can be surrounded by other dendrim-ers, which
execute a specific function leading to a smart
therapeutic system used for diagnose the diseased
state and deliver API to the accepted diseased
cell.18
6. Hybrid Divergent Hybrid dendritic These dendrimers have characteristic of both
Dendrimers linear polymer, dendritic and linear polymer.18
Polysilsesquioxa
nes
7. Peptide Convergent Beta Peptide dendrimers are those which hold amino
Dendrimers Casomorphin acid as branching or interior unit.
(human) These are used for the diagnostic purpose and
vaccine delivery.19
8. Frechet-Type Convergent Frechet type These were based on polybenzyl ether hyper
Dendrimers dendron azides, branched skeleton. Carboxylic
TM acid group attached on the surface of dendrimers
Priostar that provides site for further functionalization and
also improve the solubility of dendrimers.19
9. PAMAMOS Convergent SARSOX These are silicon containing commercial
(Poly and dendrimers which are inverted unimolecular
Amidoamine Divergen micelles and contains exterior hydrophobic
Organosilicon) organosilicon (OS) and interiorly hydrophilic,
Dendrimers nucleophilic polyamidoam-ine.19
10. Multiple Convergent vaccine and These are dendron-like molecular assembly
Antigen and diagnostic based upon a polylysine frame. Lysine with its
Peptide Divergent research alkyl amino side-chain performed as a excellent
Dendrimers monomer for the overture of frequent branching
points.20

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Hypercores and branched monomer growth
This method involved the pre-assembly of
oligomeric species which can be linked organic
methodologies.25 In this approach two products
(monomers for both convergent and divergent
growth) are reacted together to give an
orthogonally protected trimer, which may be
used to repeat the growth process again.
Strength of double exponential growth is more
subtle than the ability to build large dendrimers
in relatively few steps.22,11
Click chemistry
Dendrimers have been prepared via click
chemistry,employing Diels-Alder reactions.26
Click chemistry was first introduced by K. Barry
Sharoless of the Scripps Research Institute in
2001 and describe chemistry modified to
engender substances rapidly and consistent by
combination of small units collectively. It is not
a solitary reaction, but was intended to imitate
nature, that can also generate molecules by
joining small modular units.27
Drug entrapment with dendrimers
Simple encapsulation
The ellipsoidal or spheroidal shape, empty
internal cavities, and open nature of the
architecture of dendrimers make it possible to
directly encapsulate guest molecules into the
macromolecule interior (Fig. 4). These empty
internal cavities usually have hydrophobic
properties, which make it suitable to interact
with poorly-soluble drugs through hydrophobic
interactions. In addition, there are nitrogen or
oxygen atoms in these internal cavities, which
can interact with the drug molecules by
hydrogen bond formation. In view of these
specific properties, the relationship between the
internal cavities of dendrimers and drug
molecules may involve physical encapsulation,
hydrophobic interaction, or hydrogen bonding.28
Covalently conjugation
In this case, the drug is covalently bound to
dendrimers, and its release occurs via chemical
or enzymatic cleavage of hydrolytically labile
©Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations
bonds. covalent attachment of drugs to the
surface groups of dendrimers through chemical
bonds offers the opportunity for a better control
over drug release than that can be achieved by
simple encapsulation/electrostatic complexation
of drugs into/with the dendrimers. Naturally, a
problem may arise as a consequence of coupling
large numbers of drugs to the dendrimer surface
by covalent conjugation,that is, the insolubility
of the resultant product.This problem often can
be resolved through the concomitant attachment
of short PEG chains.28
Figure 4: Drug entrapment with
dendrimers.28
Potential strategies for interactions between dendrimers and
drug molecules (A) electrostatic interactions or covalent
conjugate, and (B) simple encapsulation.
Electrostatic intraction
The high density of functional groups (such as
amine groups and carboxyl groups) on the
surface of dendrimers may be expected to have
potential applications in enhancing the solubility
of hydrophobic drugs by electrostatic
interaction. In recent years, nonsteroidal
antiinflammatory drugs with carboxyl groups,
including ibuprofen, ketoprofen, diflunisal,
naproxen,and indomethacin, have been widely
been complexed with dendrimers by electrostat-
ic interactions. Studies on other drugs, such as
some anti-cancer drugs and anti-bacterial drugs,
have also been reported.28
Characterization of dendrimers
The dendrimers are characterize by different
methods and that characterization is given in
Table 2.29-51
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Table 2: Characterization of dendrimers.

A Spectroscopy and Spectroscopy and spectrometry methods of

spectrometry methods characterization of dendritic polymer are as follows29-34
Ultra-violet-visible spectroscopy Provides information for monitoring the synthesis of
(UV-VIS) dendrimers. The intensity of the absorption band is
basically proportional to the number of chromophoric units.
Infra red spectroscopy (IR) Provides information for routine analysis of the chemical
transformations going at the surface of dendrimers.
Near infra red spectroscopy Provides information for the characterization of delocalize
π-π stacking interaction between end groups of modified
PAMAM.
Fluorescence Provides information for increasingly high Sensitivity of
fluorescence used to quantify defects during the synthesis
of dendrimers.
Mass spectroscopy Chemical ionization or fast atom bombardment used for the
characterization of small dendrimers whose mass is below
3000Da. Electrospray ionization used for dendrimers which
are able to form stable multicharged species.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) Provides information to allow precise determination of the
chemical composition, structure, size and shape of
Dendrimer.
B Scattering techniques Scattering techniques for characterization of dendritic
polymer are as Follows 35-38
Small angle X-ray scattering Provides information about their average radius of gyration
(SAXS) (Rg) in solution. The intensity of the scattering also
provides information on the arrangement of polymer
segments.
Small angle neutron scattering Provides access to the radius of gyration, but may also
(SANS disclose more accurate information than SAXS. The
location of the ending groups has also been determined by
SANS experiments conducted with PAMAM dendrimers
and PPI dendrimers
Laser light scattering (LLS) It determines the hydrodynamic radius of dendrimers.
Dynamic LLS is mostly used for the detection of
aggregates.
C Microscopy methods Microscopy methods for characterization of dendritic
polymer are39-40
Transmission microscopy Electron or light produce images that intensify the original,
with a resolution eventually limited by the wavelength of
the source.
Scanning microscopy It produces an image by touch contact Q at a few angstroms
of a sensitive canilever arm with sample. Ex. Atomic force
microscopy.
D Size exclusive It allows the partition of molecules according to size.41
chromatography
E Electrical techniques Electrical techniques for characterization of dendritic
polymer are as Follows 42-44
Electron paramagnetic Quantitative determination of the substitution effectiveness
resonance (EPR) on the surface of PANAM dendrimers
Electrochemistry It provides information about the possibility of interaction

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of electroactive end groups.

Electrophoresis It provides the information about the assessment of purity
and homogeneity of several types of water soluble
dendrimers.
F Rheology and Physical Rheology and physical properties used for
properties characterization of dendritic polymer are as follows45-48
Intrinsic viscosity It is as analytical probe of the morphological structure of
dendrimers.
Differential scanning It used to detect the glass transition temperature depends on
calorimetry (DSC) the moleculer weight, entangment and chain composition of
polymers.
Dielectric spectroscopy (DS) Gives complete information about molecular dynamic
processes (α-, β).
G Miscellaneous Other methods used of characterization of dendritic
polymer are as Follows49-51
X-ray Photoelectron It provides detailed information about chemical
Spectroscopy (XPS) composition of dendrimers such as poly (aryl ether)
dendrons or PAMAM dendrimers which was obtained using
XPS. This technique is most generally used for the
characterization of layers.
Sedimentation Technique used for lactosylated PAMAM dendrimers,
measurements of dipole moments for PMMH dendrimer.
Titrimetry It is used for determining number of NH2 end groups of
PAMAM Dendrimers.

Table 3: Factors affecting dendrimers properties.52-54

S.NO. Factor Level Effect

1. Effect of pH Low Structural behaviour of PAMAM dendrimers is depended
upon pH.
At low pH (< 4) the interior is getting increasingly hollow.
Repulsion between the positively charged amines both at the
dendrimer surface and the tertiary amines in the interior
increases at high generation.

Neutral At neutral pH, back-folding occurs which may be a

consequence of hydrogen bonding between the uncharged
tertiary amines in the interior and the positively charged
surface amines.
High At higher pH (pH>10) the dendrimer contract as the charge of
the molecule
becomes neutral, acquiring a more spherical (globular)
structure, where the repulsive forces between the dendrimer
arms and between the surface groups reaches minimum

2. Effect of Salt High High concentration of salt have a strong effect on charged PPI
dendrimers. Favours a contracted conformation of
dendrimers, with a high degree of back-folding somewhat
similar to what is observed upon increasing pH or poor
solvation.

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Low The repulsive forces between the charged dendrimer segments

results in an extended conformation in order to minimize
charge repulsion in the structure.

3. Effect of Solvent The solvation power of any solvent to solvate the dendrimer
is a very important parameter.
Dendrimers of all generations generally exhibit a larger extent
of back-folding with decreasing solvent quality.
The dendrimer arms induce a higher molecular density on the
dendrimer
surface.
NMR studies performed on PPI dendrimers concluded that a
nonpolar Solvent like benzene, poorly solvates the dendrimers
favouring intramolecular interactions between the dendrimer
segments and back-folding.

4. Effect of 1.Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments

Concentration of performed on PPI dendrimers
Dendrimer (G4, G5) in a polar solvent like methanol show that the
molecular conformation of dendrimers upon increasing
concentration becomes increasingly contracted.
2.This molecular contraction may minimize the repulsive
forces between the dendrimer molec-ules and increase the
ability of the dendrimers to exhibit a more tight
intermolecular packing.

Factors affecting dendrimers A] Drug molecules can be physically entrapped

within the dendritic structure, which are given in
properties Figure 5.1.55
Different types of factors which are affect
B] Drug molecules can be covalently linked onto
dendrimers properties. Those factors are given in
the dendrimer surface (or) other functionalities
Table 3.52-54
to produce dendrimer-drug conjugate,which are
given in Figure 5.2.55
Mechanism of drug delivery
through dendrimers
The well-defined 3D structure and many
functional surface groups, drug molecules can be
loaded both in the interior of the Dendrimers as
well as attached to the surface groups ( as shown
in the figure). Dendrimers can function as drug
carriers either by encapsulating drugs within the
dendritic structure, or by inter-acting with drugs
at their terminal functional groups via
electrostatic or covalent bonds (prodrug). There
are broadly two mechanisms for drug delivery. 55 Figure 5.1: A Dendrimer molecule with drug
molecules loaded at terminal surface of
branches.

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Figure 5.2: Dendrimer molecules with drug
molecules Encapsulated within branches.
Functional component
A dendrimer of higher generations consists of
shell. A shell consists of a central core and
alternating two layers of monomers around it.
Amines constitute the central core which may
sometimes be replaced by sugar. All core
molecules have multiple and identical reaction
site. Amine is the simplest core molecule present
with three functional sites. The surface of all full
generations consists of multiple amines, while
the surface of the half generations consists of
multiple acids.These two kinds of surfaces
provide the means of attachme-nt of multiple
different functional components.55
Application
 There are now more than fifty families of
dendrimers, each with unique properties, since
muscle damage. This method significantly
reduces the waiting time for the blood test
results (to about 8 min).
 Dendrimers can act as carriers, called
vectors, in gene therapy. Vectors transfer genes
through the cell membrane into the nucleus.
 Besides biomedical applications dendrimers
can be used to improve many industrial
processes. The combination of high surface area
and high solubility makes dendrimers useful as
nanoscale catalysts.11
Therapeutic application
 Dendrimer in photodynamic therapy.
 Dendrimers for Boron Neutron capture
therapy.22
©Pharmaceutical and Biological Evaluations
Diagnostic application
 Dendrimers as MRI contrast agent.
 Dendrimers as X-Ray contrast agent.
 Dendrimer as molecular probe.22
Pharmaceutical application
 Dendrimer in pulmonary drug delivery.
 Dendrimer in ocular drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in oral drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in colon drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in intranasal drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in pulmonary drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in transdermal drug delivery.
 Dendrimers for controlled release drug
delivery.
 Dendrimers in targeted drug delivery.
 Dendrimers in gene delivery.
 Dendrimers as solubility enhancer.
 Cellular delivery using dendrimers carrier.
 Dendritic polymers are used in the
purification of water.
 Dendrimers based product in cosmetics.
 Dendrimers based commercial products.
 Applications of Dendrimers in Waste Water
Treatment.22
Cytotoxic issues of dendrimers in
vivo
 Dendrimers with positively charged surface
groups- prone to destabilize cell membranes and
cause cell lysis.
 Generation dependent toxicity-higher
generation dendrimers being the most toxic.
 Degree of substitution, type of amine
functionality is important- primary amines being
more toxic than secondary or tertiary amines.12
Dendrimers based products
Different types of products are formulate by
using Dendrimers and some dendrimer based
products are given in Table 4.56
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Table 4: Dendrimers based products.56

S.NO. Brand name Type of dendrimer Companey Application
1. Vivagel Multiple Antigen Star Pharma HIV Prevention
2. Alert ticket PAMAM US army Anthrax Detection
research
laboratory
3. Superfect Ampiphilic Qiagen Gene Transfection
4. Startus CS Tecto Dade Behring Cardiac Marker
5. Priofect™, Priostar™ Tecto Starpharma Targeted diagnostic,
therapeutic delivery
for cancer cells

Conclusion 5. Gujral SS, Khatri S. A Review on Basic

Due to their unique architecture dendrimers have
improve physical and chemical properties and its
characterstics is also improve the drug
bioavailability. Dendrimers size, shape, density
and their surface functionality makes dendrimers
ideal carrier for various applications of drug
delivery like therapeutic, diagnostic and many
other fields of pharmaceutical applications. Few
drawbacks like toxicity, localization,
biodistribution and costly synthesis step. This
review is based on several research reports and
their outcomes have been cited here in a concise
manner.
Funding: No funding sources
Conflict of interest: None declared
References
1. Tomalia DA, Baker H, Dewald JR, Hall M,
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