Abstract

Due to high structural flexibility, multidrug carrying capability, and tunable size, dendrimers have been used as suitable carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery. Drug molecules can be either encapsulated or chemically coupled to dendrimers. the nanoscopic size, spheroidal shape, and cationic surface of Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers promote their interaction with the cornea and result in prolonged precorneal retention. Dendrimers could be further cross-linked to produce three-dimensional hydrogel networks or dendrimer hydrogels (DH). the properties of the DH can be readily adjusted to maintain both fluidity and adhesiveness, making them suitable for developing topical ocular drug formulations. Micro-/nano- sized DHs, that is, dendrimer micro-/nano- gels, have unique properties such as ease of administration, large specific surface area for adhesion, and drug targeting functionalities, making them attractive for ophthalmic drug delivery. This perspective reports advances in PAMAM dendrimer-based drug delivery systems including drug conjugates and micro- and nano- gels to enhance and sustain the delivery of multiple anti-glaucoma drugs, Dendrimer and dendrimer gel-derived drug delivery systems hold great potential as multifunctional topical drug delivery systems for the eye.

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Publication Status

Open Access

Comments

National Institutes of Health, Grant R01EY024072

Keywords and Phrases

dendrimer; dendrimer hydrogel; dendrimer micro/nanogel; drug delivery; glaucoma

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2769-643X

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 The Authors, All rights reserved.

Creative Commons Licensing

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Publication Date

01 Mar 2023

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