Phosphorus-carrying cascade molecules: inner architecture to biomedical applications

Area of Science:

• * Materials Science and Nanotechnology
• * Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology
• * Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• * Dendrimers are highly branched macromolecules with tunable properties.
• * Phosphorus-containing dendrimers exhibit enhanced thermal stability, rigidity, and unique chemical functionalities.
• * These properties enable diverse biological applications, from biomaterials to therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To review the synthesis, fabrication, and biomedical applications of phosphorus-containing dendrimers.
• * To highlight the biological properties and therapeutic potential of these dendrimers.
• * To discuss their effects on cell growth and immune responses, as well as their toxicity.

Main Methods:

• * Literature review of studies involving phosphorus-containing dendrimers.
• * Analysis of synthetic routes and fabrication techniques.
• * Evaluation of reported in vivo and in vitro biomedical applications and toxicity data.

Main Results:

• * Phosphorus dendrimers demonstrate efficacy in biochips, cell culture support, drug/biomacromolecule delivery, and bioimaging.
• * They exhibit favorable effects on neuronal and immune cell growth (natural killer cells, monocytes).
• * Several phosphorus dendrimers act as drugs per se, showing activity against neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, inflammation, ocular hypertension, and TSEs.

Conclusions:

• * Phosphorus dendrimers possess significant potential for diverse biomedical applications due to their unique structure and properties.
• * Their therapeutic efficacy and biocompatibility warrant further investigation for clinical translation.
• * Comprehensive understanding of their synthesis, fabrication, and toxicity is crucial for future development.