Dendrimers and their pharmaceutical applications--a review

Dendrimers are hyperbranched macromolecules having tree like structure, consisting of a core molecule and alternating layers of monomers. They can be synthesized by divergent and convergent growth methods. During synthesis, properties like dendrimer size, molecular mass, surface group can be controlled and configured to the desired need. The ability of dendrimers to encapsulate and bind the guest molecule can be used for solubility enhancement, sustained release and drug delivery applications. In this review we tried to delineate the properties, synthesis methods and expound potential pharmaceutical applications along with toxicological considerations of dendrimers.