Chapter 15 - Dendrimer: A new carrier for herbal medicine

Abstract

Organic molecules known as dendrimers have a clearly defined, symmetrical structure and are extremely branched. They are globular-shaped three-dimensional polymers from a chemical perspective. Terminals, or functional groups, are found at the ends of the arms and are easily modifiable to alter their chemical and physical characteristics. Nanoparticle sizes of dendrimers range from 1 to 100nm. Due to their practical structure, functionality, and dimensions—which are extremely similar to those of several significant biological polymers and assemblies, such as DNA and proteins—they are perfect drug delivery vehicles. Beginning with a central atom or cluster of atoms, known as the core, dendrimer molecules have this structure. Dendrons, which are branches of different atoms, emerge from this core structure. Generations are layers of branch structure created by the ongoing branching. Divergent dendrimer growth, convergent dendrimer growth, double exponential and mixed growth, and click synthesis are all synthesis techniques. Drug molecules are physically encapsulated and chemically conjugated as loading mechanisms onto dendrimer carriers. Dendrimers are offered as marketed items under the names Starburst, Priostar, Stratus CS, Vivagel, Alert ticket, SuperFect, and Taxotere.