| Popis: |
Dendrimers are monodispersed, highly branched macromolecules with nanoscale dimensions. Dendrimers have a wide variety of biomedical applications such as drug and gene delivery agents, targeting agents, protein mimics, anticancer therapeutics, and contrast agents. Among the various applications, gene or drug delivery by dendrimers is the prime focus of the present-day research. For the successful design of dendrimer-based delivery systems, the dendrimers should be biocompatible and nonimmunogenic. Hence, it is very essential to understand the interactions and effects of dendrimers with biological components like different types of cells, cell organelles, proteins, etc. In this chapter, we have discussed the interaction of dendrimers with cell membranes, components of blood, various targets and factors that influence the interaction with the biological environment, and the consequent effects such as cytotoxicity and hemolysis. We have also discussed different ways to minimize the toxic effects of dendrimers. |
