Dendrimer-based bionanomaterials produced by surface modification, assembly and hybrid formation

Because of their highly defined chemical structure and globular shape, dendrimers are very attractive as base materials to be used in the production of nanomaterials for applications in various fields. Therefore, many attempts have been made to develop functional materials using dendrimers. This review specifically examines dendrimer-based nanomaterials intended for application to the biomedical field. The design, preparation and function of bionanomaterials, using various strategies such as surface modification, assembly and hybrid formation, are described briefly along with their potential applications. Polymer Journal (2012) 44, 531-540; doi:10.1038/pj.2012.39; published online 18 April 2012