Dendrimers: A versatile nanocarrier for drug delivery and targeting.

Dendrimers are novel polymeric nanoarchitectures characterized by hyper-branched 3D-structure having multiple functional groups on the surface that increases their functionality and make them versatile and biocompatible. Their unique properties like nanoscale uniform size, high degree of branching, polyvalency, water solubility, available internal cavities and convenient synthesis approaches make them promising agent for biological and drug delivery applications. Dendrimers have received an enormous attention from researchers among various nanomaterials. Dendrimers can be used as a carrier for diverse therapeutic agents. They can be used for reducing drug toxicities and enhancement of their efficacies. The present review provide a comprehensive outline of synthesis of dendrimers, interaction of dendrimer with guest molecules, properties, characterization and their potential applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical field.

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges: A critical review.

Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CD-NS) are innovative cross-linked cyclodextrin polymers nanostructured within three-dimensional network. CD-NS are highly porous nanoparticles characterized by crystalline or amorphous structure, spherical shape and swelling properties. Different cross-linkers provide variety of nanosponges. The polarity, dimension of the polymer mesh and release of entrapped molecule can be easily tuned by varying the type of cross-linker and degree of cross-linking. The site-specific targeting can be achieved by conjugating various ligands on the surface of nanosponge. They offer unique advantage of controlled release and are biologically safe and biodegradable material. Cyclodextrin-based nanosponges can form complexes with different types of lipophilic or hydrophilic molecules. The nanosponges could be used to improve the aqueous solubility of poorly water-soluble molecules, protect degradable substances and as innovative carrier in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, protein/peptide delivery, diagnostics, enzyme-catalysed reactions, environmental control and agrochemistry.