Biomedical Applications of Polyglycerol-Based Nanocarriers

Polyglycerol-based nanocarriers have emerged as highly adaptable platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic applications, combining a hydroxyl-rich polyether backbone with architectures ranging from linear to hyperbranched and dendritic. Their abundant surface functionality affords excellent water solubility, biocompatibility and opportunities for precise chemical modification. By encapsulating or conjugating small-molecule drugs, proteins and imaging agents, these nanocarriers can achieve controlled release profiles, reduced off-target toxicity and prolonged circulation times. Functionalisation with targeting ligands enables selective accumulation in diseased tissues via receptor-mediated endocytosis, while stimuli-responsive linkages allow on-demand cargo release. Biomedical applications encompass anticancer therapies, antifungal and antimicrobial delivery, inflammation imaging and the development of injectable hydrogels for localised treatment. The versatility of polyglycerol chemistry continues to fuel global advances in theranostic design, regenerative medicine and precision nanomedicine.

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Biomedical Applications of Polyglycerol-Based Nanocarriers publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in biomedical applications of polyglycerol-based nanocarriers across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Polyglycerol (PG): Synthetic polyether with multiple hydroxyl groups, offering high water solubility and biocompatibility.

Dendritic polyglycerol (dPG): Monodisperse, tree-like polymer architecture that enables multivalent functionalisation.

Hyperbranched polyglycerol (HbPGL): Irregularly branched PG variant with globular morphology and numerous peripheral hydroxyls.

Nanocarrier: Nanoscale vehicle designed for targeted delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic payloads.

Unimolecular micelle: Single macromolecule forming a core–shell structure capable of encapsulating hydrophobic compounds.

Active targeting: Functionalisation of nanocarriers with ligands that bind specific cellular receptors.

Oncotropic vector: Targeting moiety recognising tumour-associated markers to guide nanocarriers.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis: Cellular uptake mechanism triggered by ligand–receptor interactions facilitating internalisation.

References

1. Polyglycerols as Multi-Functional Platforms: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications †. Polymers (2022).
2. Active Targeting of Dendritic Polyglycerols for Diagnostic Cancer Imaging. Small (2019).
3. Co-targeting the tumor endothelium and P-selectin-expressing glioblastoma cells leads to a remarkable therapeutic outcome. eLife (2017).
4. Self-Healable, Injectable Hydrogel with Enhanced Clotrimazole Solubilization as a Potential Therapeutic Platform for Gynecology. Biomacromolecules (2022).