Dendrimers in Medicine: Properties, Drug Encapsulation Mechanisms and Applications

Dendrimers are nano-sized, radially symmetric molecules with well-defined, homogeneous, and monodisperse structure that has a typically symmetric core, an inner shell, and an outer shell.  Each group of dendrimers is very similar in terms of size, shape, length of branches, surface functional groups, and surface properties. Dendrimers can trap different molecules among their branches according to their size, surface properties (such as electrical charge), and functional groups, and prevent them from being affected by external factors. They can also release the molecules inside them according to environmental conditions. Dendrimers can be used to transport hydrophobic molecules in a hydrophilic environment and vice versa. These varied characteristics make dendrimers a good choice in the medical field, and this review covers their diverse applications. HIGHLIGHTS Investigating Features of dendrimers. Investigating Types of dendrimers. Investigating Dendrimer Drugs. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT