NANOTECHNOLOGY IN PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS: DENDRIMERS

Abstract

Nanotechnology, a separate field of knowledge since 1980s, involves utilization of nanomaterials not only in electronics and catalysis, but also in biomedical research including drug delivery, bioimaging, biomedical-diagnostics and tissue engineering. Multidisciplinary of this science has led to the development of different areas of technology and might contribute to innovations that will, as a final consequence, help humanity. Dendrimers are large and complex molecules that are characterized by well-defined nanoscale architecture, monodispersity and structural versatility. These highly interesting polymers consist of three elements: core, branches and peripheral groups. There is a wide variety of potential applications of dendritic polymers. One of the most promising is utilization of polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as drug delivery devices. Among pharmaceuticals that have been connected with different types of dendrimers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticancer drugs and other. Dendrimers application as drug carriers improves pharmacokinetic properties of drug particles, decreases drugs' side effects and, by possibility of surface modification with different ligands, enables to target specific tissues and tumor cells. Dendrimers might be also utilized as devices for delivery of genetic material and contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).