Dendritic Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery in Oncology
Summary
Dendritic nanoparticles represent a class of hyperbranched macromolecules, whose defined architecture and surface functionality enable precise delivery of therapeutic agents to tumour sites. By tailoring generation size, surface ligands and internal cavities, these nanocarriers can encapsulate small-molecule drugs, nucleic acids or imaging agents and release them in response to specific stimuli such as pH, redox potential or external energy inputs. In oncology, dendritic platforms have been engineered to overcome physiological barriers—enhancing circulation time, achieving active targeting through receptor-mediated interactions and penetrating the dense extracellular matrix of solid tumours. Moreover, co-delivery strategies harness synergistic combinations of chemotherapeutics and gene silencers to overcome multidrug resistance and modulate the tumour microenvironment. Recent innovations include responsive linkers that release payloads under the acidic or glutathione-rich conditions of tumours, as well as integration with imaging modalities for real-time monitoring of distribution and therapeutic response. Collectively, these advances point to a new generation of multifunctional dendritic nanodevices with potential to improve efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity in cancer treatment.
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Dendritic Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug and Gene Delivery in Oncology publication trend
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Technical terms
Dendrimer: A highly branched, tree-like polymer with controlled size and abundant surface groups for functionalisation.
Tumour microenvironment (TME): The complex milieu surrounding cancer cells, including stromal cells, immune infiltrates and extracellular matrix components.
Immunogenic cell death: A form of cell demise that elicits an adaptive immune response against tumour antigens released during therapy.
Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD): A technique using acoustic waves to rupture microbubbles and enhance permeability of cell membranes for improved nanoparticle uptake.
PEGylation: Attachment of polyethylene glycol chains to nanoparticles to increase solubility, circulation time and stealth properties.
References
- Redox‐Responsive Dendrimer Nanogels Enable Ultrasound‐Enhanced Chemoimmunotherapy of Pancreatic Cancer via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Amplification and Macrophage Polarization. Advanced Science (2023).
- UTMD-Promoted Co-Delivery of Gemcitabine and miR-21 Inhibitor by Dendrimer-Entrapped Gold Nanoparticles for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Theranostics (2018).
- Polyethyleneimine-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Theranostics. Journal of Functional Biomaterials (2022).
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