Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026
09:57
A Facile and Efficient Approach for the Production of Reversible Disulfide Cross-linked Micelles
Published on: December 23, 2016
9.4K
Recent advances in targeted drug delivery approaches using dendritic polymers
Jason Bugno1, Hao-jui Hsu, Seungpyo Hong
1Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. sphong@uic.edu.
Biomaterials Science
|July 30, 2015
Summary
Dendrimers, versatile macromolecules, show significant promise in biomedical fields. Recent advances focus on improved design, understanding biological interactions, and targeted drug/gene delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Dendrimers, synthesized over 30 years ago, have evolved significantly.
- Their clinical utility is increasingly recognized across diverse biomedical applications.
- Understanding their biological interactions is key to optimizing their use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in dendrimer design.
- To discuss current mechanistic understandings of dendrimer-biological interactions.
- To highlight recent developments in dendrimer-based drug and gene delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific publications.
- Analysis of studies on dendrimer synthesis and modification.
- Evaluation of research on dendrimer-mediated biological effects and delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Novel dendrimer design strategies have emerged.
- Mechanistic insights into biological interactions are deepening.
- Targeted drug and gene delivery applications are expanding.
Conclusions:
- Dendrimer technology continues to advance rapidly.
- Further research into design and mechanisms will enhance biomedical applications.
- Dendrimers are poised for greater impact in drug and gene delivery.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
114
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
114
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
112
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
112
01:30Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
123
Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also...
123
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II
91
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...
91
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
264
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...
264
01:22Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I
105
Rate-programmed drug delivery systems (DDS) are designed to release drugs at specific, controlled rates to maintain consistent therapeutic levels. These systems are categorized based on their release mechanisms, including dissolution-controlled DDS, diffusion-controlled DDS, and combined dissolution-diffusion-controlled DDS.In dissolution-controlled DDS, the release rate depends on the slow dissolution of the drug itself or the surrounding matrix. Drugs with inherently slow dissolution rates,...
105