title: Dendrimers - from organic synthesis to pharmaceutical applications: an update.
abstract: Dendrimers are a relatively new class of monodisperse polymers, which have tree-like spherical structures with well-defined sizes and shapes. Their unique structure has a significant impact on their physical and chemical properties. Research on dendrimers is of significant interest to scientists from all areas and their utility in various scientific fields, including pharmaceuticals, is expanding. The present review is comprehensive and covers different aspects of dendrimers viz. (1) synthesis, (2) properties and (3) pharmaceutical applications. The emphasis is on their applications as well as the current ongoing research status for drug targeting.
authors.affiliation: Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa and.
authors.forename: Rahul S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kalhapure
authors.forename: Muthu K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Kathiravan
authors.forename: Krishnacharya G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Akamanchi
authors.forename: Thirumala
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Govender
mesh_terms: D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence; D060326:Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D050091:Dendrimers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D050091:Dendrimers; D004337:Drug Carriers; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles
keywords: Dendrimer classification; drug delivery; spherical polymers