title: Peptide dendrimers: applications and synthesis.
abstract: Peptide dendrimers are radial or wedge-like branched macromolecules consisting of a peptidyl branching core and/or covalently attached surface functional units. The multimeric nature of these constructs, the unambiguous composition and ease of production make this type of dendrimer well suited to various biotechnological and biochemical applications. Applications include use as biomedical diagnostic reagents, protein mimetics, anticancer and antiviral agents, vaccines and drug and gene delivery vehicles. This review focuses on the different types of peptide dendrimers currently in use and the synthetic methods commonly employed to generate peptide dendrimers ranging from stepwise solid-phase synthesis to chemoselective and orthogonal ligation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
authors.forename: Kristen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sadler
authors.forename: James P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Tam
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D012698:Serologic Tests
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D010455:Peptides; D011108:Polymers