Vesicles from Amphiphilic Dumbbells and Janus Dendrimers: Bioinspired Self-Assembled Structures for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Abstract:The current review focuses on vesicles obtained from the self-assembly of two types of dendritic macromolecules, namely amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (forming dendrimersomes) and amphiphilic dumbbells. In the first part, we will present some synthetic strategies and the various building blocks that can be used to obtain dendritic-based macromolecules, thereby showing their structural versatility. We put our focus on amphiphilic Janus dendrimers and amphiphilic dumbbells that form vesicles in water but we also encompass vesicles formed thereof in organic solvents. The second part of this review deals with the production methods of these vesicles at the nanoscale but also at the microscale. Furthermore, the influence of various parameters (intrinsic to the amphiphilic JD and extrinsic-from the environment) on the type of vesicle formed will be discussed. In the third part, we will review the numerous biomedical applications of these vesicles of nano-or micron-size.

Polymer Capsules with Hydrophobic Liquid Cores as Functional Nanocarriers

“…Considering that many substances of interest exhibit limited solubility in water, several attempts have been proposed to encapsulate such compounds, deliver them effectively, and release in a controlled manner at the site of action. Colloidal particles such as dendrimers, micelles, capsules, liposomes and polymersomes exhibit adequate size, high loading capacity, and sufficient stability which make them frequently used in the mentioned applications [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. However, several aspects need to be considered during the design and development of such carriers.…”

Structural and Surface Properties of Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) – Fatty Acid‐based Nanoaggregates Derived from Self‐assembling Janus Dendrimers

“…Based on our observations as well as those of polymer physics, [32,39,40] the molar mass of JDs was designed to keep 70 : 30 hydrophobic to hydrophilic weight ratio between the dendrons to yield more biologically relevant nanoaggregates. [41] PAMAM dendrons were synthesized by a divergent method in which the growth of the dendron originated from a core functional group. Using propargyl amine as the focal point, Michael addition with methyl acrylate formed a half-generation dendron yielding G0.5.…”

“…In this study, we use biocompatible dendritic segments for the synthesis of novel JDs to minimize the common challenges of stability and toxicity that traditional nanoaggregates often face. [28] In addition, we summarize the structural and surface properties of the nanoaggregates as well as an evaluation of biomedical efficacy. The dendrimers described in this investigation, FA-PAMAM-NH 3…”

“…Herein, we present the design, synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of cationic, anionic, and neutral functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) – fatty acid (FA) amphiphilic JDs and their self‐assembled nanoaggregates in aqueous media. In this study, we use biocompatible dendritic segments for the synthesis of novel JDs to minimize the common challenges of stability and toxicity that traditional nanoaggregates often face [28] . In addition, we summarize the structural and surface properties of the nanoaggregates as well as an evaluation of biomedical efficacy.…”

Fluorescent Polyion Complex for the Detection of Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

“…Diblock polyelectrolyte poly( N -methyl-2-vinylpyridinium iodide)- b -poly (ethylene oxide) (PMVP 41 - b -PEO 205 ) has been widely employed to construct various polyion complexes with an oppositely charged component [11,12,13]. The polyion complexes can be made into micelles [14,15,16], vesicles [17,18,19], films [20,21], and even ultralong nanoladders [22]. So far, the practical application of various self-assemblies based on polyion complexes has mostly focused on drug and gene delivery, whereas other applications have not been sufficiently explored.…”