Dendrimers: A Versatile Nanoplatform for Advanced Targeting and Bioactive(s) Delivery

Dendrimers are radially symmetric, hyperbranched, well-organized, monodispersed, homogenous organic moieties with a three-dimensional structure. They possess terminal functional groups on the surface that improve their functionality and make them a versatile and biocompatible drug delivery module. Due to relatively low bioavailability, poor cell membrane penetration, and water solubility, about 40% of newly discovered bioactive(s) are rejected by the pharmaceutical industry. Nanomedicines based novel drug delivery technologies may be able to assist in conquering this difficulty. Nanoarchitectures with well-defined structure is gaining huge interest in biomedical applications due to their potential to cross the cell membrane and decrease the risk of premature clearance from the body. In this regard, dendrimers have been considered potential delivery modules for the bioactive(s), owing to their nanometric size, branching density, globular shape, highly reactive nature, solubility in water, and comfortable and robust synthesis methods. They could be employed as a carrier for the delivery of various therapeutic(s). They possess the ability to decrease drug toxicity while increasing efficacy. This chapter provides a general outline of the basic introduction of dendrimers and their types, with major emphasis on their applications in advanced targeting and bioactive(s) delivery.