In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified dendrimers with different PEG molecular weights and PEG bound ratios were synthesized. Because the amount of intermediate water, which moderately interacts with materials, is known to be related to biocompatibility, we investigated the hydration and biodistribution of PEG-modified dendrimers with different structures. Dendrimers modified with longer and denser PEG chains had higher intermediate water content (WIM) and showed an increased tumor/liver ratio after the intravenous injection. These findings highlight hydration as a key physicochemical factor governing biodistribution, which is useful for optimizing nanocarriers in drug delivery systems.
- Hao He
- Junjie Yao
- Chie Kojima
