Dendrimer

A dendrimer is a three-dimensional, branched macromolecule with a relatively high molecular weight. The term "dendrimer" is derived from the Greek word "dendron", which means "tree". Dendrimers are typically synthesized using a "bottom-up" approach, starting with a core molecule that is then functionalized with monomers to create branching points. This process is repeated until the desired molecular weight and degree of branching is achieved.

Dendrimers are of interest in nanotechnology because of their ability to self-assemble into well-defined structures with predictable properties. Additionally, dendrimers can be functionalized with a variety of groups, making them versatile building blocks for a variety of applications.

Which is the example of dendrimer? A dendrimer is a three-dimensional, branched molecule with a central core and repeating subunits (monomers) radiating from the core. The word "dendrimer" comes from the Greek words dendron (δένδρον, meaning "tree") and meros (μέρος, meaning "part"). Dendrimers are also sometimes known as "tree-like molecules".

What is dendrimer nanotechnology?

Dendrimers are precisely defined, monodisperse, three-dimensional, branched polymers. They are built from the "inside out", starting with a central "core" molecule to which repeating units (monomers) are added, forming the increasing number of "arms" or "branches" of the dendrimer. The monomers used to build the dendrimer can be the same or different, and can be chemically functionalized to impart specific properties to the dendrimer.

Dendrimers are often described as "molecular trees" or "nanosponges" due to their tree-like or spongy structure. This unique structure gives dendrimers a large internal surface area and a high degree of flexibility, which can be exploited for a variety of applications in nanotechnology.

For example, dendrimers can be used as drug delivery vehicles, due to their ability to encapsulate and slowly release therapeutic agents. Dendrimers can also be used as nanoscale sensors, due to their large surface area and ability to bind to specific molecules. Additionally, dendrimers can be used to create nanostructured materials with specific properties (e.g. electrical, optical, or mechanical), which find applications in a wide range of fields.

How is dendrimer different from a polymer? Dendrimers (and related dendritic structures) are different from polymers in several ways. First, dendrimers are monodisperse, while polymers are polydisperse. Second, dendrimers have a defined three-dimensional structure, while polymers do not. Third, dendrimers are made by a "step-wise" process, while polymers are made by a "chain-growth" process. Finally, dendrimers can be functionalized with a variety of groups (e.g., for recognition, catalysis, etc.), while polymers cannot.

How do you pronounce dendrimers?

Dendrimers are nanometer-scale polymer molecules that are characterized by a tree-like or branching structure. They are synthesized by a process of repeated chemical reactions, in which new branches are added to the molecule at each step.

The word "dendrimer" is derived from the Greek words "dendron" (meaning tree) and "imer" (meaning part). The term was first coined by American chemist Donald Tomalia in 1985.

Dendrimers are typically spherical in shape, and their size can range from a few nanometers to several micrometers. They have a large surface area and a high degree of symmetry, which makes them ideal for use in a variety of applications, including drug delivery, sensors, and catalysts.

Dendrimers are typically synthesized using a process known as "iterative branching." This process begins with a small molecule, called a "core," which serves as the starting point for the dendrimer. New branches are then added to the core molecule at each step of the synthesis, resulting in a molecule with a tree-like structure.

The word "dendrimer" is pronounced DEN-druh-mer.

What are gold nanoparticles?

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are particles of gold that have been engineered to be extremely small – on the order of just a few nanometers in diameter. These tiny particles have unique properties that make them useful in a variety of applications, including as a drug delivery system for cancer treatments, as sensors for environmental contaminants, and in electronics.

AuNPs are typically made by reducing gold salts with a variety of different chemicals. The size, shape, and surface chemistry of the resulting AuNPs can be controlled by varying the conditions of the synthesis process. For example, AuNPs can be made into spheres, rods, or other shapes, and their surfaces can be modified to be hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

The unique properties of AuNPs arise from their small size and the fact that they are made of a metal. The surface of a metal is very chemically reactive, and this is amplified at the nanoscale. As a result, AuNPs can interact with their environment in ways that larger particles of gold cannot.

AuNPs have been shown to be effective at delivering drugs to cancer cells while minimizing side effects to healthy cells. This is because the small size of the nanoparticles allows them to more easily penetrate cancer cells, and the reactive surface of the AuNPs can be used to attach drugs that target cancer cells.

AuNPs can also be used as sensors for environmental contaminants. The