Frontiers in Bioscience-Landmark (Oct 2020)

Diagnostic and therapeutic applications of smart nanocomposite dendrimers

  • Vinay Kumar,
  • Rakesh K. Sahoo,
  • Trambak Basak,
  • Tanjina Yasmin,
  • Umesh Gupta,
  • Amit K. Goyal

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2741/4905
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 26, no. 3
pp. 518 – 538

Abstract

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Dendrimers are three dimensional, multifunctional polymeric structures which are composed of a core and branches emanating from these structures, resembling a tree. Here, we review the key highlights of the dendrimers for diagnostic uses as MRI contrast agents, X-ray computed tomography and particularly for cancer treatment as an effective carrier for drug delivery and in boron capture therapy. We will discuss how dendrimers represent a new class of carriers that are able to deliver drugs effectively and in a sustained manner to the target tumor sites. Dendrimers are being utilized to a variety of cancer therapies to improve the safety and effectiveness of anticancer therapeutics. This review will also investigates the benefits utilizing dendrimers for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

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