Dendrimers and DNA: combinations of two special topologies for nanomaterials and biology

Chemistry. 2008;14(25):7422-32. doi: 10.1002/chem.200800584.

Abstract

Interactions between two precisely defined three-dimensional architectures (DNA and dendrimers) are described. Highly synergetic effects occur, as illustrated in two cases: dendrimers can be used as three-dimensional linkers for oligonucleotides, affording highly sensitive microarrays (biochips), and positively charged dendrimers strongly interact with DNA, allowing penetration inside cells (genetic transfection).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport, Active
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA / metabolism
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Dendrimers / metabolism
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics
  • Humans
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
  • Oligonucleotides / chemistry
  • Oligonucleotides / genetics
  • Oligonucleotides / metabolism

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Oligonucleotides
  • DNA