Cytotoxicity of Dendrimers

Abstract

Drug delivery systems are molecular platforms in which an active compound is packed into or loaded on a biocompatible nanoparticle. Such a solution improves the activity of the applied drug or decreases its side effects. Dendrimers are promising molecular platforms for drug delivery due to their unique properties. These macromolecules are known for their defined size, shape, and molecular weight, as well as their monodispersity, the presence of the void space, tailorable structure, internalization by cells, selectivity toward cells and intracellular components, protection of guest molecules, and controllable release of the cargo. Dendrimers were tested as carriers of various molecules and, simultaneously, their toxicity was examined using different cell lines. It was discovered that, in general, dendrimer cytotoxicity depended on the generation, the number of surface groups, and the nature of terminal moieties (anionic, neutral, or cationic). Higher cytotoxicity occurred for higher-generation dendrimers and for dendrimers with positive charges on the surface. In order to decrease the cytotoxicity of dendrimers, scientists started to introduce different chemical modifications on the periphery of the nanomolecule. Dendrimers grafted with polyethylene glycol (PEG), acetyl groups, carbohydrates, and other moieties did not affect cell viability, or did so only slightly, while still maintaining other advantageous properties. Dendrimers clearly have great potential for wide utilization as drug and gene carriers. Moreover, some dendrimers have biological properties per se, being anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, or toxic to cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Therefore, intrinsic cytotoxicity is a comprehensive problem and should be considered individually depending on the potential destination of the nanoparticle.

Keywords: cytotoxicity; dendrimers; drug delivery; macromolecules; nanoparticles; toxicity.

Figure 1

Number of articles about dendrimers in Scopus (blue bars—all fields; red bars—biomedical field).

Figure 2

Structure of a dendrimer.

Figure 3

Three ways of complexation or conjugation of guest molecules with a dendrimer molecule: encapsulation in the internal cavities (A), attachment to the periphery (B), or both methods simultaneously (C).

Figure 4

Chemical structures of selected types of dendrimers.

Figure 5

Influence of the surface charge of dendrimers on their bioavailability, immunogenicity, and their in vitro and in vivo toxicity. “+” indicates that there is an effect; “−” indicates no effect.