Experimental and Computational Evidence for an Inversion in Guest Capacity in High-Generation Triazine Dendrimer Hosts

Synthesis of Triazine based Dendrimers: A Mini-Review

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Synthesizing s-triazine dendrimers are interesting as they can be synthesized easily, contain diversity in composition, and have a basic potential for molecular recognition. Triazine trichloride is the molecule of choice for synthesizing a novel class of dendrimers as it possesses certain remarkable characteristics like the potential to expand the chemical functionality by nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions at various temperatures to give the desired dendrimer.

Two Decades of Triazine Dendrimers

For two decades, methods for the synthesis and characterization of dendrimers based on [1,3,5]-triazine have been advanced by the group. Motivated by the desire to generate structural complexity on the periphery, initial efforts focused on convergent syntheses, which yielded pure materials to generation three. To obtain larger generations of dendrimers, divergent strategies were pursued using iterative reactions of monomers, sequential additions of triazine and diamines, and ultimately, macromonomers. Strategies for the incorporation of bioactive molecules using non-covalent and covalent strategies have been explored. These bioactive materials included small molecule drugs, peptides, and genetic material. In some cases, these constructs were examined in both in vitro and in vivo models with a focus on targeting prostate tumor subtypes with paclitaxel conjugates. In the materials realm, the use of triazine dendrimers anchored on solid surfaces including smectite clay, silica, mesoporous alumina, polystyrene, and others was explored for the separation of volatile organics from gas streams or the sequestration of atrazine from solution. The combination of these organics with metal nanoparticles has been probed. The goal of this review is to summarize these efforts.

Tumor Uptake of Triazine Dendrimers Decorated with Four, Sixteen, and Sixty-Four PSMA-Targeted Ligands: Passive versus Active Tumor Targeting

Various glutamate urea ligands have displayed high affinities to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), which is highly overexpressed in prostate and other cancer sites. The multivalent versions of small PSMA-targeted molecules are known to be even more efficiently bound to the receptor. Here, we employ a well-known urea-based ligand, 2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-ureido] pentanedioic acid (DUPA) and triazine dendrimers in order to study the effect of molecular size on multivalent targeting in prostate cancer. The synthetic route starts with the preparation of a dichlorotriazine bearing DUPA in 67% overall yield over five steps. This dichlorotriazine reacts with G1, G3, and G5 triazine dendrimers bearing a 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) group for ⁶⁴Cu-labeling at the core to afford poly(monochlorotriazine) intermediates. Addition of 4-aminomethylpiperidine (4-AMP) and the following deprotection produce the target compounds, G1-(DUPA)₄, G3-(DUPA)₁₆, and G5-(DUPA)₆₄. These targets include 4/16/64 DUPA groups on the surface and a DOTA group at the core, respectively. In vitro cell assay using PC3-PIP (PSMA positive) and PC3-FLU (PSMA negative) cells reveals that G1-(DUPA)₄ has the highest PC3-PIP to PC3-FLU uptake ratio (10-fold) through the PSMA-mediated specific uptake. While G5-(DUPA)₆₄ displayed approximately 12 times higher binding affinity (IC₅₀ 23.6 nM) to PC3-PIP cells than G1-(DUPA)₄ (IC₅₀ 282.3 nM) as evaluated in a competitive binding assay, the G5 dendrimer also showed high non-specific binding to PC3-FLU cells. In vivo uptake of the ⁶⁴Cu-labeled dendrimers was also evaluated in severe combined inmmunodeficient (SCID) mice bearing PC3-PIP and PC3-FLU xenografts on each shoulder, respectively. Interestingly, quantitative imaging analysis of positron emission tomograph (PET) displayed the lowest tumor uptake in PC3-PIP cells for the midsize dendrimer G3-(DUPA)₁₆ (19.4 kDa) (0.66 ± 0.15%ID/g at 1 h. p.i., 0.64 ± 0.11%ID/g at 4 h. p.i., and 0.67 ± 0.08%ID/g at 24 h. p.i.). Through the specific binding of G1-(DUPA)₄ to PSMA, the smallest dendrimer (5.1 kDa) demonstrated the highest PC3-PIP to muscle and PC3-PIP to PC3-FLU uptake ratios (17.7 ± 5.5 and 6.7 ± 3.0 at 4 h p.i., respectively). In addition, the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect appeared to be an overwhelming factor for tumor uptake of the largest dendrimer G5-(DUPA)₆₄ as the uptake was at a similar level irrelevant to the PSMA expression.

Fludarabine-Specific Molecular Interactions with Maltose-Modified Poly(propyleneimine) Dendrimer Enable Effective Cell Entry of the Active Drug Form: Comparison with Clofarabine

Fludarabine is an anticancer antimetabolite essential for modern chemotherapy, but its efficacy is limited due to the complex pharmacokinetics. We demonstrated the potential use of maltose-modified poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer as drug delivery agent to improve the efficiency of therapy with fludarabine. In this study, we elaborated a novel synthesis technique for radioactively labeled fludarabine triphosphate to prove for the first time the direct ability of nucleotide-glycodendrimer complex to enter and kill leukemic cells, without the involvement of membrane nucleoside transporters and intracellular kinases. This will potentially allow to bypass the most common drug resistance mechanisms observed in the clinical setting. Further, we applied surface plasmon resonance and molecular modeling to elucidate the properties of the drug-dendrimer complexes. We showed that clofarabine, a more toxic nucleoside analogue drug, is characterized by significantly different molecular interactions with poly(propyleneimine) dendrimers than fludarabine, leading to different cellular outcomes (decreased rather than increased treatment efficiency). The most probable mechanistic explanation of uniquely dendrimer-enhanced fludarabine toxicity points to a crucial role of both an alternative cellular uptake pathway and the avoidance of intracellular phosphorylation of nucleoside drug form.

Elucidating the role of surface chemistry on cationic phosphorus dendrimer-siRNA complexation

In the field of dendrimers targeting small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery, dendrimer structural properties, such as the flexibility/rigidity ratio, play a crucial role in the efficiency of complexation. However, advances in organic chemistry have enabled the development of dendrimers that differ only by a single atom on their surface terminals. This is the case for cationic phosphorus dendrimers functionalized with either pyrrolidinium (DP) or morpholinium (DM) terminal groups. This small change was shown to strongly affect the dendrimer-siRNA complexation, leading to more efficient anti-inflammatory effects in the case of DP. Reasons for this different behavior can hardly be inferred only by biological in vitro and in vivo experiments due to the high number of variables and complexity of the investigated biological system. However, an understanding of how small chemical surface changes may completely modify the overall dendrimer-siRNA complexation is a significant breakthrough towards the design of efficient dendrimers for nucleic acid delivery. Herein, we present experimental and computational approaches based on isothermal titration calorimetry and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the molecular reasons behind different efficiencies and activities of DP and DM. Results of the present research highlight how chemical surface modifications may drive the overall dendrimer-siRNA affinity by influencing enthalpic and entropic contributions of binding free energy. Moreover, this study elucidates molecular reasons related to complexation stoichiometry that may be crucial in determining the dendrimer complexation efficiency.

PAMAM dendrimer: a pH-controlled nanosponge

Using fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulation that are several hundred nanoseconds long, we demonstrate the pH-controlled sponge action of PAMAM dendrimer. We show how at varying pH levels, the PAMAM dendrimer acts as a wet sponge; at neutral or low pH levels, the dendrimer expands noticeably and the interior of the dendrimer opens up to host several hundreds to thousands of water molecules depending on the generation number. Increasing the pH (i.e., going from low pH to high pH) leads to the collapse of the dendrimer size, thereby expelling the inner water, which mimics the ‘sponge’ action. As the dendrimer size swells up at a neutral pH or low pH due to the electrostatic repulsion between the primary and tertiary amines that are protonated at this pH, there is dramatic increase in the available solvent accessible surface area (SASA), as well as solvent accessible volume (SAV).

Elegant pH-Responsive Nanovehicle for Drug Delivery Based on Triazine Dendrimer Modified Magnetic Nanoparticles

Owing to properties of magnetic nanoparticles and elegant three-dimensional macromolecule architectural features, dendrimeric structures have been investigated as nanoscale drug delivery systems. In this work, a novel magnetic nanocarrier, generation two (G2) triazine dendrimer modified Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic nanoparticles (MNP-G2), was designed, fabricated, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The prepared MNP-G2 nanosystem offers a new formulation that combines the unique properties of MNPs and triazine dendrimer as a biocompatible material for biomedical applications. To demonstrate the potential of MNP-G2, the nanoparticles were loaded with methotrexate (MTX), a proven chemotherapy drug. The MTX-loaded MNP-G2 (MNP-G2/MTX) exhibited a high drug-loading capacity of MTX and the excellent ability for controlled drug release. The cytotoxicity of MNP-G2/MTX using an 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide based assay and MCF-7, HeLa, and Caov-4 cell lines revealed that MNP-G2/MTX was more active against the tumor cells than the free drug in a mildly acidic environment. The results of hemolysis, hemagglutination, and coagulation assays confirmed the good blood safety of MNP-G2/MTX. Moreover, the cell uptake and intracellular distribution of MNP-G2/MTX were studied by flow cytometry analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This research suggests that MNP-G2/MTX with good biocompatibility and degradability can be selected as an ideal and effective drug carrier in targeted biomedicine studies especially anticancer applications.

Formation of Dendrimer Nanoassemblies by Oligomerization-Induced Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

Dendrimers are hyperbranched macromolecules with applications in host-guest chemistry, self-assembly, nanocatalysis, and nanomedicine. We show that dendrimer-based globular nanoparticles are formed by using dendrimer oligomerization to isothermally induce liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We first determined that LLPS of aqueous mixtures of the fourth-generation amino-functionalized poly(amido amine) dendrimer is observed by lowering temperature in the presence of sodium sulfate. In relation to LLPS, we experimentally characterized the effect of salt and dendrimer concentrations on the LLPS temperature and salt-dendrimer isothermal partitioning. Our results were theoretically examined using a two-parameter thermodynamic model. We then showed that the addition of a small amount of glutaraldehyde, which leads to the formation of soluble dendrimer oligomers by chemical cross-linking, increases the LLPS temperature. This implies that a dendrimer aqueous mixture, which is initially homogeneous at room temperature and exhibits LLPS only at relatively low temperatures, can exhibit LLPS at room temperature due to dendrimer oligomerization. The high dendrimer concentration inside the nanodroplets, produced from LLPS, accelerates dendrimer cross-linking, thereby yielding stable globular nanoparticles. These nanomaterials retain the host-guest properties of the initial dendrimers, indicating potential applications as nanocatalysts, extracting agents and drug carriers. Our work provides the basis for a new approach for obtaining dendrimer-based nanoassemblies by employing low-generation dendrimers as building blocks.

Facile synthesis of stable, water soluble, dendron-coated gold nanoparticles

Upon reduction with sodium borohydride, diazonium tetrachloroaurate salts of triazine dendrons yield dendron-coated gold nanoparticles connected by a gold-carbon bond. These robust nanoparticles are stable in water and toluene solutions for longer than one year and present surface groups that can be reacted to change surface chemistry and manipulate solubility. Molecular modeling was used to provide insight on the hydration of the nanoparticles and their observed solubilties.

Converting Nonliquid Crystals into Liquid Crystals by N-Methylation in the Central Linker of Triazine-Based Dendrimers

Two triazine-based dendrimers were successfully prepared in 60-75% yields. These newly prepared dendrimers 2a and 2b containing the -NMe(CH2)2NMe- and the -NMe(CH2)4NMe- linkers between two G3 dendrons, respectively, exhibit columnar phases during the thermal process. However, the corresponding dendrimers 1a and 1b containing the -NH(CH2)2NH- and the -NH(CH2)4NH- linkers between two G3 dendrons, respectively, do not show any LC phases on thermal treatment. Computational investigations on molecular conformations reveal that N-methylation of the dendritic central linker leads dendrimers to possess more isomeric conformations and thus successfully converts non-LC dendrimers (1a and 1b) into LC dendrimers (2a and 2b).

Thermoregulated Coacervation, Metal-Encapsulation and Nanoparticle Synthesis in Novel Triazine Dendrimers

The synthesis and solubility behaviors of four generation five (G5) triazine dendrimers are studied. While the underivatized cationic dendrimer is soluble in water, the acetylated and propanoylated derivatives undergo coacervation in water upon increasing temperature. Occurring around room temperature, this behavior is related to a liquid-liquid phase transition with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and is explained by differences in composition, notably, the hydrophobic nature of the terminal groups. Interestingly, the water solubility of the acetylated dendrimer is affected by the addition of selected metal ions. Titrating solutions of acetylated dendrimer at temperatures below the LCST with gold or palladium ions promoted precipitation, but platinum, iridium, and copper did not. Gold nanoparticles having diameters of 2.5 ± 0.8 nm can be obtained from solutions of the acetylated dendrimer at concentrations of gold less than that required to induce precipitation by treating the solution with sodium borohydride.

Computational and experimental approaches for investigating nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems

Most therapeutic agents suffer from poor solubility, rapid clearance from the blood stream, a lack of targeting, and often poor translocation ability across cell membranes. Drug/gene delivery systems (DDSs) are capable of overcoming some of these barriers to enhance delivery of drugs to their right place of action, e.g. inside cancer cells. In this review, we focus on nanoparticles as DDSs. Complementary experimental and computational studies have enhanced our understanding of the mechanism of action of nanocarriers and their underlying interactions with drugs, biomembranes and other biological molecules. We review key biophysical aspects of DDSs and discuss how computer modeling can assist in rational design of DDSs with improved and optimized properties. We summarize commonly used experimental techniques for the study of DDSs. Then we review computational studies for several major categories of nanocarriers, including dendrimers and dendrons, polymer-, peptide-, nucleic acid-, lipid-, and carbon-based DDSs, and gold nanoparticles. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane Proteins edited by J.C. Gumbart and Sergei Noskov.

Unusual liquid-liquid phase transition in aqueous mixtures of a well-known dendrimer

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been extensively investigated for polymer and protein solutions due to its importance in mixture thermodynamics, separation science and self-assembly processes. However, to date, no experimental studies have been reported on LLPS of dendrimer solutions. Here, it is shown that LLPS of aqueous solutions containing a hydroxyl-functionalized poly(amido amine) dendrimer of fourth generation is induced in the presence of sodium sulfate. Both the LLPS temperature and salt-dendrimer partitioning between the two coexisting phases at constant temperature were measured. Interestingly, our experiments show that LLPS switches from being induced by cooling to being induced by heating as the salt concentration increases. The two coexisting phases also show opposite temperature response. Thus, this phase transition exhibits a simultaneous lower and upper critical solution temperature-type behavior. Dynamic light-scattering and dye-binding experiments indicate that no appreciable conformational change occurs as the salt concentration increases. To explain the observed phase behavior, a thermodynamic model based on two parameters was developed. The first parameter, which describes dendrimer-dendrimer interaction energy, was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. The second parameter describes the salt salting-out strength. By varying the salting-out parameter, it is shown that the model achieves agreement not only with the location of the experimental binodal at 25 °C but also with the slope of this curve around the critical point. The proposed model also predicts that the unusual temperature behavior of this phase transition can be described as the net result of two thermodynamic factors with opposite temperature responses: salt thermodynamic non-ideality and salting-out strength.

An Unconventional Approach to Induce Liquid-Crystalline Phases of Triazine-Based Dendrons by Breaking Their Self-Assembly into Dimers

Three triazine-based dendrons (1 a-c) were successfully prepared in 70-83 % yields. These newly prepared dendrons are found to be liquid crystalline (LC). Computational investigations on molecular conformations and dipoles of triazine-based dendrons reveal that the substituent on the central triazine unit interrupts strong dipole or H-bond interactions to avoid dimeric formation. The obtained dendrons, not favouring self-assembly into dimers but showing LC behaviours, provides evidence for an approach contrary to the conventional method of inducing LC behaviours of dendrons by dimer or trimer formation, mostly through H-bond interactions.

Hydrogen-bonding dramatically modulates the gene transfection efficacy of surface-engineered dendrimers

The hydrogen-bond modulation strategy represents a promising tool in the design of highly efficient and less cytotoxic gene materials.

Influence of linker groups on the solubility of triazine dendrimers

The choice of linking diamine has profound influence on the solubility of triazine dendrimers.

Association of small aromatic molecules with PAMAM dendrimers

Dendrimer pockets enable association by reducing naphthalene hydration even near the dendrimer periphery.

Accelerated synthesis of large generation triazine dendrimers using microwave assisted reactions: a 24 hour challenge

The expedited synthesis of odd generation triazine dendrimers up to generation 9 can be executed in high yields using microwave irradiation.

Molecular Modeling to Study Dendrimers for Biomedical Applications

Molecular modeling techniques provide a powerful tool to study the properties of molecules and their interactions at the molecular level. The use of computational techniques to predict interaction patterns and molecular properties can inform the design of drug delivery systems and therapeutic agents. Dendrimers are hyperbranched macromolecular structures that comprise repetitive building blocks and have defined architecture and functionality. Their unique structural features can be exploited to design novel carriers for both therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Many studies have been performed to iteratively optimise the properties of dendrimers in solution as well as their interaction with drugs, nucleic acids, proteins and lipid membranes. Key features including dendrimer size and surface have been revealed that can be modified to increase their performance as drug carriers. Computational studies have supported experimental work by providing valuable insights about dendrimer structure and possible molecular interactions at the molecular level. The progress in computational simulation techniques and models provides a basis to improve our ability to better predict and understand the biological activities and interactions of dendrimers. This review will focus on the use of molecular modeling tools for the study and design of dendrimers, with particular emphasis on the efforts that have been made to improve the efficacy of this class of molecules in biomedical applications.

Evidence of guest encapsulation within G8 and G10 dendrimers using NMR techniques

Encapsulation of guest molecules within the interior cavities of dendrimers is promising, but high generation dendrimers show limited encapsulation capacity due to their dense surface shell. Here, for the first time, we prove that high generation polyamidoamine dendrimers, such as generation 8 and generation 10, are able to encapsulate hydrophobic guests using NMR spectroscopy. Guest molecules such as phenylbutazone, dexamethasone sodium phosphate and 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid with molecular weights up to 516 Da are in close proximity to the interior scaffold protons of high generation dendrimers. This encapsulation behavior depends on guest hydrophobicity. Chemical defects and back-folding of terminal groups make it possible for these guest molecules to penetrate through the dense surface shell of high generation dendrimers. These results provide new insights into the host-guest chemistry of dendrimers.

Structure and shape effects of molecular glue on supramolecular tubulin assemblies

The possibility to arrange biological molecules into ordered nanostructures is an important issue in nano- and biotechnology. Nature offers a wide range of molecular "bricks" (e.g., proteins, oligonucleotides, etc.) that spontaneously assemble into more complex hierarchical systems with unique functionalities. Such molecular building blocks can be also used for the construction of nanomaterials with peculiar properties (e.g., DNA origami). In some cases, molecular glues able to bind biomolecules and to induce their assembly can be used to control the final structure and properties in a convenient way. Here we provide molecular-level description of how molecular glues designed to stick to the surface of microtubules (MTs) can control and transform the α/β-tubulin assembly upon temperature decreasing. By means of all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we compared the adhesion to the MT surface of three molecular glues bearing the same guanidinium ion surface adhesive groups, but having different architecture, i.e., linear or dendritic backbone. Our evidence demonstrates that the adhesive properties of the different molecular glues are dependent on the shape they assume in solution. In particular, adhesion data from our MD simulations explain how globular- or linear-like molecular glues respectively stabilize MTs or transform them into a well-defined array of α/β-tubulin rings at 15 °C, where MTs naturally depolymerize. The comprehension of the MT transformation mechanism provides a useful rationale for designing ad hoc molecular glues to obtain ordered protein nanostructures from different biological materials.

Rapid, semi-automated convergent synthesis of low generation triazine dendrimers using microwave assisted reactions

Microwave assisted synthesis allows for the rapid access of low generation triazine dendrimers in high yields.

Study of the complexation of oxacillin in 1-(4-carbomethoxypyrrolidone)-terminated PAMAM dendrimers

The complexation of oxacillin to three generations of 1-(4-carbomethoxypyrrolidone)-terminated PAMAM dendrimers was studied with NMR in CD3OD and CDCl3. The stochiometries, which were determined from Job plots, were found to be both solvent- and generation-dependent. The dissociation constants (K(d)) and Gibbs energies for complexation of oxacillin into the 1-(4-carbomethoxypyrrolidone)-terminated PAMAM dendrimer hosts were determined by (1)H NMR titrations and showed weaker binding of oxacillin upon increasing the size (generation) of the dendrimer.

Design, synthesis and biological assessment of a triazine dendrimer with approximately 16 Paclitaxel groups and 8 PEG groups

The synthesis and characterization of a generation three triazine dendrimer that displays a phenolic group at the core for labeling, up to eight 5 kDa PEG chains for solubility, and 16 paclitaxel groups is described. Three different diamine linkers--dipiperidine trismethylene, piperazine, and aminomethylpiperidine--were used within the dendrimer. To generate the desired stoichiometric ratio of 8 PEG chains to 16 paclitaxel groups, a monochlorotriazine was prepared with two paclitaxel groups attached through their 2'-hydroxyls using a linker containing a labile disulfide. This monochlorotriazine was linked to a dichlorotriazine with aminomethylpiperidine. The resulting dichlorotriazine bearing two paclitaxel groups could be reacted with the eight amines of the dendrimer. NMR and MALDI-TOF confirm successful reaction. The eight monochlorotriazines of the resulting material are used as the site for PEGylation affording the desired 2:1 stoichiometry. The target and intermediates were amenable to characterization by (1)H and (13)C NMR, and mass spectrometry. Analysis revealed that 16 paclitaxel groups were installed along with 5-8 PEG chains. The final construct is 63% PEG, 22% paclitaxel, and 15% triazine dendrimer. Consistent with previous efforts and computational models, 5 kDa PEG groups were essential for making the target water-soluble. Molecular dynamics simulations showed a high degree of hydration of the core, and a radius of gyration of 2.8 ± 0.2 nm. The hydrodynamic radius of the target was found to be 15.8 nm by dynamic light scattering, an observation indicative of aggregation. Drug release studies performed in plasma showed slow and identical release in mouse and rat plasma (8%, respectively). SPECT/CT imaging was used to follow biodistribution and tumor uptake. Using a two component model, the elimination and distribution half-lives were 2.65 h and 38.2 h, respectively. Compared with previous constructs, this dendrimer persists in the vasculature longer (17.33 ± 0.88% ID/g at 48 h postinjection), and showed higher tumor uptake. Low levels of dendrimer were observed in lung, liver, and spleen (~6% ID/g). Tumor saturation studies of small prostate cancer tumors (PC3) suggest that saturation occurs at a dose between 23.2 mg/kg and 70.9 mg/kg.

Computational design principles for the discovery of bioactive dendrimers: [s]-triazines and other examples

INTRODUCTION

Chemistry yields dendrimers of many classes and compositions. Translating this synthetic success to bioactivity is significantly aided by the use of computational modeling and our knowledge of the three-dimensional shapes of these macromolecules.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the lessons learned during the investigations of [s]-triazine dendrimers. Specifically, the article focuses on the evolving role that computational models have taken in the exploration of these macromolecules. These lessons, furthermore, can be generalized across many dendrimer classes.

EXPERT OPINION

Computational models and the resulting structural data from molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into: shape, solvent penetration, shielding of biolabile linkers, and the density of hydrophobic patches. These models have evolved from artistic representations, through bases for rationalization, to hypothesis-generating tools that drive synthesis. With further advances expected in both software and hardware the answer to the question, 'What does a specific dendrimer look like in solution?' is becoming increasingly clear. Moreover, the authors believe that answer to this question lies at the heart of the design of bioactive dendrimers.

Theoretical and computational studies of dendrimers as delivery vectors

It is a great challenge for nanomedicine to develop novel dendrimers with maximum therapeutic potential and minimum side-effects for drug and gene delivery. As delivery vectors, dendrimers must overcome lots of barriers before delivering the bio-agents to the target in the cell. Extensive experimental investigations have been carried out to elucidate the physical and chemical properties of dendrimers and explore their behaviors when interacting with biomolecules, such as gene materials, proteins, and lipid membranes. As a supplement of the experimental techniques, it has been proved that computer simulations could facilitate the progress in understanding the delivery process of bioactive molecules. The structures of dendrimers in dilute solutions have been intensively investigated by monomer-resolved simulations, coarse-grained simulations, and atom-resolved simulations. Atomistic simulations have manifested that the hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen-bond interactions, and electrostatic attraction play critical roles in the formation of dendrimer-drug complexes. Multiscale simulations and statistical field theories have uncovered some physical mechanisms involved in the dendrimer-based gene delivery systems. This review will focus on the current status and perspective of theoretical and computational contributions in this field in recent years. (275 references).

Synthesis of large dendrimers with the dimensions of small viruses

The dendrimer chemistry reported offers a route to synthetic target molecules with spherical shape, well-defined surface chemistries, and dimensions that match the size of virus particles. The largest target, a generation-13 dendrimer comprising triazines linked by diamines, is stable across ranges of concentration, pH, temperature, solvent polarity and in the presence of additives. This dendrimer theoretically presents 16,384 surface groups and has a molecular weight exceeding 8.4 MDa. Transmission electron and atomic force microscopies, dynamic light scattering, and computations reveal a diameter of ~30 nm. The target was synthesized through an iterative divergent approach using a monochlorotriazine macromonomer providing two generations of growth per synthetic cycle. Fidelity in the synthesis is supported by evidence from NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Gadolinium MRI contrast agents based on triazine dendrimers: relaxivity and in vivo pharmacokinetics

Four gadolinium (Gd)-based macromolecular contrast agents, G3-(Gd-DOTA)(24), G5-(Gd-DOTA)(96), G3-(Gd-DTPA)(24), and G5-(Gd-DTPA)(96), were prepared that varied in the size of dendrimer (generation three and five), the type of chelate group (DTPA or DOTA), and the theoretical number of metalated chelates (24 and 96). Synthesis relied on a dichlorotriazine derivatized with a DOTA or DTPA ligand that was incorporated into the dendrimer and ultimately metalated with Gd ions. Paramagnetic characteristics and in vivo pharmacokinetics of all four contrast agents were investigated. The DOTA-containing agents, G3-(Gd-DOTA)(24) and G5-(Gd-DOTA)(96), demonstrated exceptionally high r1 relaxivity values at off-peak magnetic fields. Additionally, G5-(Gd-DOTA)(96) showed increased r1 relaxivity in serum compared to that in PBS, which was consistent with in vivo images. While G3-(Gd-DOTA)(24) and G3-(Gd-DTPA)(24) were rapidly excreted into the urine, G5-(Gd-DOTA)(96) and G5-(Gd-DTPA)(96) did not clear as quickly through the kidneys. Molecular simulation of the DOTA-containing dendrimers suggests that a majority of the metalated ligands are accessible to water. These triazine dendrimer-based MRI contrast agents exhibit several promising features such as high in vivo r1 relaxivity, desirable pharmacokinetics, and well-defined structure.

Triazine dendrimers as drug delivery systems: from synthesis to therapy

The use of triazine dendrimers as drug delivery systems benefits from their synthetic versatility and well-defined structure. Triazine dendrimers can be designed and readily synthesized to display orthogonally functional surfaces that facilitate post-synthetic manipulation such as attachment of drug, PEGylation, and/or the installation of ligands or reporting groups. The synthesis is scalable, and large generations can be accessed. To date, triazine dendrimers have been probed for a variety of medicinal applications including drug delivery with an emphasis on cancer, nonviral DNA and RNA delivery systems, in sensing applications, and as bioactive materials. Specifically, triazine adducts with paclitaxel, camptothecin, brefeldin A, and desferrioxamine have been prepared and assessed. Paclitaxel constructs show promising activity in vivo. The use of these materials in fluorescence-based glucose sensors is being pursued. Glycosylated triazine dendrimers interfere with signal transduction in the Toll-4 receptor pathway.