Open AccessDendrimers and other dendritic macromolecules: From building blocks to functional assemblies in nanoscience and nanotechnology
Author(s) -
Fréchet Jean M. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of polymer science part a: polymer chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.768
H-Index - 152
eISSN - 1099-0518
pISSN - 0887-624X
DOI - 10.1002/pola.10952
Subject(s) - dendrimer , nanotechnology , macromolecule , materials science , polymer , self assembly , polymer science , chemistry , polymer chemistry , composite material , biochemistry
Given their size, in the single‐digit nanometer range, and the versatility of their functionality, dendrimers and other dendritic macromolecules are poised to make a significant contribution to the rapidly expanding fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This highlight focuses on nascent applications of dendrimers that take advantage of their structural features and polyvalent character. In particular, the concept of dendritic encapsulation of function, borrowed from Nature, can be applied to the design of a varied array of energy‐harvesting, light‐emitting, or catalytic macromolecules. Similarly, the compact size and hierarchical ordering of components within dendrimers make them ideal for exploring the limits of nanolithography. Finally, the presence of differentiated functionalities and the polyvalent character of dendrons and dendrimers constitute strong assets for their use in polymer therapeutics. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3713–3725, 2003