DENDRITIC ARCHITECTURE: A NEW TOOL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Abstract

Dendrimers are composed of a multifunctional core molecule attached to polymer branches. Drugs can be inserted between the branches and held until ‘interactions’ release it. Dendrimers are a new class of three-dimensional, man-made molecules produced by an unusual synthetic route which incorporates repetitive branching sequences to create a unique novel architecture. Exceptional features of the dendritic architecture include a high degree of structural symmetry, a density gradient displaying an intra-molecular minimum value and a well defined number of terminal groups which may be chemically different from the interior. The combination of these features creates an environment within the dendrimer molecule facilitates an avenue to developing reliable and economical fabrication and manufacturing of functional nanoscale materials that would have unique properties (electronic, optical, opto-electronic, magnetic, chemical, or biological) that could be the basis of new nanoscale technology and devices.