Amplified release through the stimulus triggered degradation of self-immolative oligomers, dendrimers, and linear polymers

In recent years, numerous delivery systems based on polymers, dendrimers, and nano-scale assemblies have been developed to improve the properties of drug molecules. In general, for the drug molecules to be active, they must be released from these delivery systems, ideally in a selective manner at th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced drug delivery reviews 2012-08, Vol.64 (11), p.1031-1045
Main Authors: Wong, Andrew D., DeWit, Matthew A., Gillies, Elizabeth R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradable polymers
Cascade reactions
Depolymerization
Drug delivery
Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Design
Nanoparticles
Polymers - metabolism
Prodrugs
Sensors
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Summary:In recent years, numerous delivery systems based on polymers, dendrimers, and nano-scale assemblies have been developed to improve the properties of drug molecules. In general, for the drug molecules to be active, they must be released from these delivery systems, ideally in a selective manner at the therapeutic target. As the changes in physiological conditions are relatively subtle from one tissue to another and the concentrations of specific enzymes are often quite low, a release strategy involving the amplification of a biological signal is particularly attractive. This article describes the development of oligomers, dendrimers, and linear polymers based on self-immolative spacers. This new class of molecules is designed to undergo a cascade of intramolecular reactions in response to the cleavage of a trigger moiety, resulting in molecular fragmentation and the release of multiple reporter or drug molecules. Progress in the development of these materials as drug delivery vehicles and sensors will be highlighted. [Display omitted]
ISSN:0169-409X
1872-8294
DOI:10.1016/j.addr.2011.09.012