Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Dendrimer-Based Drug Delivery Systems: History, Challenges, And Latest Developments, Juan Wang, Boxuan Li, Li Qiu, Xin Qiao, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Since the first dendrimer was reported in 1978 by Fritz Vögtle, dendrimer research has grown exponentially, from synthesis to application in the past four decades. The distinct structure characteristics of dendrimers include nanoscopic size, multi-functionalized surface, high branching, cavernous interior, and so on, making dendrimers themselves ideal drug delivery vehicles. This mini review article provides a brief overview of dendrimer's history and properties and the latest developments of dendrimers as drug delivery systems. This review focuses on the latest progress in the applications of dendrimers as drug and gene carriers, including 1) active drug release strategies to dissociate drug/gene from …