Tuning the Size of Nanoassembles: A Hierarchical Transfer of Information from Dendrimers to Polyion Complexes

Abstract

The generation of dendrimers is a powerful tool in the control of the size and biodistribution of polyion complexes (PIC). Using a combinatorial screening of six dendrimers (18-243 terminal groups) and five oppositely charged PEGylated copolymers, a dendrimer-to-PIC hierarchical transfer of structural information was revealed with PIC diameters that increased from 80 to 500 nm on decreasing the dendrimer generation. This rise in size, which was also accompanied by a micelle-to-vesicle transition, is interpreted according to a cone- to rod-shaped progression in the architecture of the unit PIC (uPIC). This precise size tuning enabled dendritic PICs to act as nanorulers for controlled biodistribution. Overall, a domino-like control of the size and biological properties of PIC that is not attainable with linear polymers is feasible through dendrimer generation.

Liver X Receptor Activation with an Intranasal Polymer Therapeutic Prevents Cognitive Decline without Altering Lipid Levels

“…GATG dendrimers have been developed in our laboratory as a platform for biomedical applications. 27 − 29 They are composed of a repeating unit incorporating a gallic acid core and hydrophilic triethylene glycol arms carrying terminal azides. 33 …”

Impact of a Water‐Soluble Gallic Acid‐Based Dendrimer on the Color‐Stabilizing Mechanisms of Anthocyanins

“…Theorell and Stenhagen universal buffer was prepared by dissolving phosphoric acid (2.25 mL, 85 % w/w), boric acid (3.54 g), monohydrated citric acid (7.00 g), and NaOH (343 mL, 1 m) solution diluted in distilled water until 1 L. The other reagents were obtained from Sigma–Aldrich (Madrid, Spain). 3[G4]‐OSO 3 Na, a GATG dendrimer of fourth generation with 162 terminal sodium sulfate groups ( M W : 61 672 g mol −1 ) was obtained from 3[G3]‐N 3 by azide–alkyne cycloaddition. A solution of 3[G3]‐N 3 (47 mg, 1.97 μmol) and ammonium 4,11‐dioxo‐5,10‐dioxa‐3,12‐diazatetradec‐7‐yne‐1,14‐diyl bis(sulfate) (145 mg, 0.319 mmol) in t BuOH/H 2 O 1:1 (160 μL) was stirred at 120 °C for 8 h and then was purified by ultrafiltration (4×30 mL, 0.1 m NaOH and 2×30 mL H 2 O, Amicon YM3) and lyophilized to afford 3[G4]‐OSO 3 Na as a white foam (108 mg, 91 %).…”

Slightly congested amino terminal dendrimers. The synthesis of amide-based stable structures on a large scale

“…However, as previously reported, characterization of dendrimers with high molecular weights and charges by MALDI-TOF is extremely difficult. 23,37,38 For G4-5 no MALDI spectrum could be obtained, probably due to the high lability of the Boc protecting groups (in Gx-NHBoc) and the high degree of positive charges (in G4-5) during measurements.…”