Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2025
10:16
Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier
Published on: February 8, 2017
7.6K
Dendrimer-based drug delivery systems: history, challenges, and latest developments
Juan Wang1, Boxuan Li2, Li Qiu3
1College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China. wangjuan@iccas.ac.cn.
Journal of Biological Engineering
|July 25, 2022
Summary
Dendrimers, nanoscale molecules with unique structures, are advanced drug delivery systems. Recent innovations focus on stimuli-responsive release, adaptive properties, and novel gel formulations for enhanced therapies.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Dendrimer research has expanded significantly since 1978.
- Dendrimers possess unique nanoscale properties ideal for drug delivery vehicles.
- Distinct characteristics include nanoscopic size, multi-functionalized surfaces, and high branching.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of dendrimer history, properties, and applications in drug delivery.
- To highlight recent advancements in dendrimers as drug and gene carriers.
- To discuss novel dendrimer-based delivery systems and their therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on dendrimer applications in drug and gene delivery.
- Focus on advancements in stimuli-responsive drug release.
- Exploration of size-adaptive and charge-reversal dendrimer systems.
- Analysis of bulk and micro/nano dendrimer gel delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Dendrimers offer versatile platforms for drug and gene delivery.
- Active release strategies enable controlled dissociation of cargo in response to stimuli.
- Size-adaptive and charge-reversal systems optimize dendrimer utilization.
- Dendrimer gels present new avenues for drug formulation and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Recent advances in dendrimer formulations are paving the way for new drug and gene products.
- Dendrimer-based systems hold promise for developing novel combination therapies.
- The unique properties of dendrimers continue to drive innovation in nanomedicine.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
402
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
402
01:22Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
458
Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection, and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
458
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
793
The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
793