ABSTRACT
Dendrimers, are extensively branched molecules having a specific size/shape, are a special category of nano-drug carriers. The functionality of dendrimer end groups can be modified for obtaining molecules having novel biological properties, for example, cooperative receptor-ligand interactions that would help in the interaction of dendrimers with poorly soluble drugs. There are two techniques for dendrimer-based drug delivery: the lipophilic drugs can be entrapped within the hydrophobic cavity of dendrimer to make them hydrophilic; and drugs may be covalently linked onto the dendrimer surface. Encapsulation actually traps the drug inside the dendrimer by exploiting the interaction between drug and dendrimer or simply the steric bulk of the dendrimer exterior. Dendrimer-drug interactions are known to be affected by several factors such as the structure, generation, surface engineering, and concentration of the dendrimers. The acid-base reaction between dendrimers and the molecules of interest such as drugs with Coulomb attractions pull the guest molecules inside the dendrimer.
