Crossing cellular barriers using dendrimer nanotechnologies

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2006 Oct;6(5):522-7. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2006.05.004. Epub 2006 Aug 4.

Abstract

Dendrimers represent a class of polymers characterised by their well-defined structure, with a high degree of molecular uniformity and low polydispersity. They have found a wide-range of pharmaceutical applications; however, more recently, they have been shown to function as effective intracellular carriers for drugs. In addition, dendrimers have been shown to be capable of bypassing efflux transporters. A new generation of dendrimer-based delivery systems will enable the efficient transport of drugs across cellular barriers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane Permeability
  • Dendrimers / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Polyamines / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Drug Carriers
  • PAMAM Starburst
  • Polyamines