Dendritic platforms for biomimicry and biotechnological applications

Abstract

Dendrimers, commonly referred to as polymeric trees, offer endless opportunities for biotechnological and biomedical applications. By controlling the type, length, and molecular weight of the core, branches and end groups, respectively, the chemical functionality and topology of dendrimeric archetypes can be customized which further can be applied to achieve required solubility, biodegradability, diagnosis and other applications. Given the physicochemical variability of the dendrimers and their hybrids, this review attempts to discuss a full spectrum of recent advances and strides made by these "perfectly designed structures". An extensive biotech/biomimicry application profiling of dendrimers is provided with focus on complex archetypical designs such as protein biomimicry (angiogenic inhibitors, regenerative hydroxyapatite and collagen) and biotechnology applications. In terms of biotechnological advances, dendrimers have provided distinctive advantages in the fields of biocatalysis, microbicides, artificial lights, mitochondrial function modulation, vaccines, tissue regeneration and repair, antigen carriers and even biosensors. In addition, this review provides overview of the extensive chemo-functionalization opportunities available with dendrimers which makes them a perfect candidate for forming drug conjugates, protein hybrids, bio mimics, lipidic derivatives, metal deposits and nanoconjugates thereby making them the most multifunctional platforms for diverse biotechnological applications.

Recent Progress and Advances of Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Dendrimers in Drug Delivery for Cancer Treatment

“…The three-dimensional nature of dendrimers provides them with various unique properties for instance globular features that can be modified by different dendrimer generations. This characteristic provides dendrimers similar shapes and sizes with specific biomolecules and proteins; thus, giving them similar perfection to biomimics [137]. In addition, the tendency of dendrimers to have branching patterns infuses these features with various periphery functional groups, allowing for the delivery of drug molecules [138].…”

Unchain My Blood: Lessons Learned from Self-Assembled Dendrimers as Nanoscale Heparin Binders

“…Derived from shellfish, this small arginine-rich cationic protein causes adverse reactions in nearly 10% of patients, and up to 2.6% of cardiac surgeries experience serious complications due to protamine suboptimal administration [30]. Since covalent dendrimers can mimic many aspects of protein behavior [31], we reasoned that these hyperbranched molecules, and particularly the poly(amidoamine) (aka PAMAM) dendrimers originally reported by Don Tomalia in 1985 [32], which feature positively charged groups on their outer surface, could work well as heparin ligands. Thus, we began our journey in the quest of possible protamine replacers by studying heparin binding by ethylenediamine (EDA)-core PAMAMs with different branching generations (G 0 –G 6 ) by means of a combined experimental/computational approach [33].…”

Potential of dry powder inhalers for tuberculosis therapy: facts, fidelity and future

“…These unique geometrical features distinguish dendrimers from other traditional polymers. They can be used for variety of therapeutic applications for various diseases such as cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases [43]. Considering these unique geometrical features and therapeutic properties, few researchers have developed dendrimers based aerosol to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of anti-TB therapeutics.…”