Supramolecular dendritic polymers for diagnostic and theranostic applications

Abstract

Supramolecular dendritic polymers (SDPs) provide a new opportunity for the precision diagnosis and treatment of diseases. SDPs are a novel class of non-covalently bonded macromolecules with highly branched structure and three-dimensional globular topology, which exhibit dynamic/ reversible features and unique physical/chemical properties (e.g., high solubility, low viscosity, and numerous functional terminal groups). The reversibility of non-covalent interactions endows SDPs with the ability of facile preparation, smart responsiveness, and simple metabolism. These special characteristics determine the properties of SDPs, which are the key points for theranostic applications, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. In this review, we briefly summarize the design and synthesis of SDPs with aimed structures, properties, functions as well as their present diagnostic and theranostic applications. These developments on the preparation and applications of SDPs for diagnostic and theranostic purpose promote interdisciplinary research fields of chemistry, material and biomedical science.

Linear and Branched Lactide Polymers for Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

“…Multiarm linear dendritic polymers based on Boltorn, commonly, are synthesized by the ROP of lactones in bulk in an inert medium at temperatures of 140-160°C. The terminal hydroxyl groups are modified either with PEG, which makes it possible to increase the circulation time in vivo, or with folates or RGD peptides [105][106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113]. Table 2 provides a list of linear dendritic copolymers described in the literature.…”

Effect of polydiborosiloxane on the mechanical properties of silicone rubber foam with dual network structure

“…Compared with a single boron structure, BB bonds exhibit stronger electronic defects and higher electronegativity because they have more valence orbitals. Meanwhile, the BB bond led to enhanced stability of the interaction with boron–oxygen coordination 39 . In order to further improve the performance of silicone rubber foam, we introduce the novel dynamic cross‐linking network structure with BB bond into the matrix of silicone rubber foam, and framework the dual network structure with dynamic cross‐linking.…”

Branched Supramolecular Copolymers: Inducing Branching in Bisurea-Based Monomers Using Multi-Sulfonate Molecules

“…Branched supramolecular polymers should combine the dynamic nature of supramolecular polymers with the benefits of the branched architecture, such as low viscosity or the formation of gels and network systems. For example, rubbers capable of self-healing have been demonstrated by Leibler and coworkers, and dendritic and hyperbranched supramolecular polymers have been used for biomedical applications. , Yet, whereas branched covalent polymers have been subjected to extensive theoretical analysis, ,− the molecular level understanding of branched supramolecular polymers is still lacking. To date, most of the research on branched supramolecular polymers has focused on polymers that are based on host–guest interactions with a single type of supramolecular unit (such as AB 2 , A 2 B 3 , and A 2 B 4 ), which give rise to hyperbranched or dendritic structures. − Within the scope of hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers, the most thoroughly studied, nonlinear architecture is the ring structure, which forms in dilute solutions.…”

“…For example, rubbers capable of self-healing have been demonstrated by Leibler and coworkers, 9 and dendritic and hyperbranched supramolecular polymers have been used for biomedical applications. 45,46 Yet, whereas branched covalent polymers have been subjected to extensive theoretical analysis, 36,47−51 the molecular level understanding of branched supramolecular polymers is still lacking. To date, most of the research on branched supramolecular polymers has focused on polymers that are based on host−guest interactions with a single type of supramolecular unit (such as AB 2 , A 2 B 3 , and A 2 B 4 ), which give rise to hyperbranched or dendritic structures.…”