The sections in this article are
Overview
Introduction
Basic Properties and Applications of Dendrimers
Structural Features and Chemical and Biological Properties
Basic Features of Dendritic Macromolecules are Inspired by Nature
Comparison of the Properties of Dendrimers and Conventional Synthetic Polymers
Comparison of the Properties of Dendrimers and Proteins (a Biological Polymer)
Dendritic Macromolecules Possess a Wealth of Possible Applications
Methods for Dendrimer Synthesis
History and Basic Strategies
Cascade Reactions are the Foundation of Dendrimer Synthesis
Dendrimer Synthesis has Expanded Dramatically in the Past Two Decades
Strategies, Cores, and Building Blocks for Dendritic Macromolecules
Dendrimers are Constructed from Simple “Building Blocks”
The Synthesis of Dendrimers Follows Either a Divergent or Convergent Approach
Heterogeneously‐functionalized Dendrimers
Basic Description and Synthetic Considerations
Glycosylation is an Example of Surface Modification with Multiple Bioactivities
Dendrimers in Drug Delivery
Dendrimers are Versatile Nano‐devices for the Delivery of Diverse Classes of Drugs
Dendritic Drug Delivery: Encapsulation of Guest Molecules
Dendrimers have Internal Cavities that can Host Encapsulated Guest Molecules
Using Dendrimers for Gene Delivery
Release of Encapsulated “Pro‐drugs”
Covalent Conjugation Strategies
Dendrimers Overcome many Limitations Inherent in Polymeric Conjugation Strategies
Dendrimer Conjugates can be Used as Vaccines
Release of Covalently‐delivered “Pro‐drugs”
Fine‐tuning Dendrimer Properties to Facilitate Delivery and Ensure Bioactivity
Delivery Requires Avoiding Non‐specific Uptake
“Local” Considerations: Contact with, and Uptake by, the Target Cell
Drug Delivery: Ensuring the Biocompatibility of Dendritic Delivery Vehicles
Biocompatibility Entails Avoiding “Side Effects” such as Toxicity and Immunogenicity
Water Solubility and Immunogenicity
Inherent and Induced Toxicity
Dendrimers in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Dendrimers have Attractive Properties for Cancer Treatment
Dendrimer‐sized Particles Passively Accumulate at the Sites of Tumors
Multifunctional Dendrimers can Selectively Target Biomarkers found on Cancer Cells
Methods for Targeting Specific Biomarkers of Cancer
Targeting by Folate, a Small Molecule Ligand
Targeting by Monoclonal Antibodies
Dendrimers in Cancer Diagnosis and Imaging
Labeled Dendrimers are Important Research Tools for Biodistribution Studies
Towards Clinical Use:
MRI
Imaging Agents
Steps Towards the Clinical Realization of Dendrimer‐based Cancer Therapies
The Stage is now set for Dendrimer‐based Cancer Therapy
Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Innovations Promise to Speed Progress
“Mix‐and‐Match” Strategy of Bifunctional Dendritic Clusters
Towards Therapeutic Exploitation of Glycosylation Abnormalities found in Cancer
Towards Targeting Metabolically‐engineered Carbohydrate Epitopes
Concluding Remarks
Acknowledgments