Redox-Responsive Drug Delivery in Dendrimers

Redox-sensitive drug delivery systems have great potential to overcome the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems by improving drug delivery efficacy and pharmacokinetics. These systems provide site-specific, targeted release, thus improving the efficacy of treatment and reducing the related side effects. Dendrimers are a family of highly branched polymers. In this case, the structure designed incorporates redox-sensitive linkers like disulfide bonds that break in reducing conditions, which are usually inside the cell. The release of the drug will be regulated and directed to a particular site. The preparation method begins by choosing the right dendrimer structure for encapsulation of a drug. The drug is encapsulated in the structure, while redox-sensitive linkers are added to the design of the dendrimer. The system is then tested for release under conditions of reduction. The drug is designed to release effectively, even when the cellular environment changes. To make sure it works as intended, we perform rigorous analysis of the dendrimer-drug complex. These redox-sensitive dendrimer-based systems have been applied to cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases through controlled release, with more efficient therapeutic applications. Characteristics such as control, targeted release, less side effect and dendrimer structure possess strength for future treatment application.