Supramolecular Self‐Associations of Amphiphilic Dendrons and Their Properties

Abstract

This review presents precisely defined amphiphilic dendrons, their self‐association properties, and their different uses. Dendrons, also named dendritic wedges, are composed of a core having two different types of functions, of which one type is used for growing or grafting branched arms, generally multiplied by 2 at each layer by using 1→2 branching motifs. A large diversity of structures has been already synthesized. In practically all cases, their synthesis is based on the synthesis of known dendrimers, such as poly(aryl ether), poly(amidoamine) (in particular PAMAM), poly(amide) (in particular poly(L‐lysine)), 1→3 branching motifs (instead of 1→2), poly(alkyl ether) (poly(glycerol) and poly(ethylene glycol)), poly(ester), and those containing main group elements (poly(carbosilane) and poly(phosphorhydrazone)). In most cases, the hydrophilic functions are on the surface of the dendrons, whereas one or two hydrophobic tails are linked to the core. Depending on the structure of the dendrons, and on the experimental conditions used, the amphiphilic dendrons can self‐associate at the air‐water interface, or form micelles (eventually tubular, but most generally spherical), or form vesicles. These associated dendrons are suitable for the encapsulation of low‐molecular or macromolecular bioactive entities to be delivered in cells. This review is organized depending on the nature of the internal structure of the amphiphilic dendrons (aryl ether, amidoamine, amide, quaternary carbon atom, alkyl ether, ester, main group element). The properties issued from their self‐associations are described all along the review.

Triazine–Carbosilane Dendrimersomes Enhance Cellular Uptake and Phototoxic Activity of Rose Bengal in Basal Cell Skin Carcinoma Cells

“…In particular, using amphiphilic dendrons as building blocks, it is possible to obtain supramolecular formulations with micellar or vesicular architecture. 21 , 44 , 45 The properties and morphology of dendritic assemblies depend on the size and topology of the dendron scaffold, the arrangement of chemical moieties within the dendron structure, and specifically selected hydrophilic and hydrophobic elements. Upon assembly, low-molecular weight drugs can be encapsulated either in the inner cavity or in the bilayer and can also be retained on the vesicle surface through complexation.…”

Amphiphilic Triazine-Phosphorus Metallodendrons Possessing Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Activity

“…Due to their amphiphilic nature, metallodendrons are expected to exist in solution, not as individual molecules, but rather as supramolecular associates [25]. We have studied their behavior, analyzing the distribution of particles in solutions by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS).…”

“…Another type of dendrons that have been combined with metal complexes are amphiphilic dendrons. This kind of dendrons, bearing hydrophobic fragments at the focal point and hydrophilic groups on the periphery, is known to form supramolecular associates [25]. Therefore, in water solutions (including biological buffers and cultural media), they exist in the form of aggregates, with their size depending on both the dendron structure and medium conditions.…”

Dendriplex-Impregnated Hydrogels With Programmed Release Rate

“…The choice of a carrier system is crucial as it can define the therapeutic performance of a material as well as modulate its physicochemical properties. Dendritic molecules, that is, dendrimers and dendrons, can be well suited for this purpose ( Caminade, 2016 ; Caminade, 2017 ; Apartsin and Caminade, 2021 ).…”