Supramolecular dendritic polymers for diagnostic and theranostic applications

Abstract

Supramolecular dendritic polymers (SDPs) provide a new opportunity for the precision diagnosis and treatment of diseases. SDPs are a novel class of non-covalently bonded macromolecules with highly branched structure and three-dimensional globular topology, which exhibit dynamic/ reversible features and unique physical/chemical properties (e.g., high solubility, low viscosity, and numerous functional terminal groups). The reversibility of non-covalent interactions endows SDPs with the ability of facile preparation, smart responsiveness, and simple metabolism. These special characteristics determine the properties of SDPs, which are the key points for theranostic applications, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. In this review, we briefly summarize the design and synthesis of SDPs with aimed structures, properties, functions as well as their present diagnostic and theranostic applications. These developments on the preparation and applications of SDPs for diagnostic and theranostic purpose promote interdisciplinary research fields of chemistry, material and biomedical science.