Dendrimers are important molecules that are currently undergoing investigation for use in a variety of different biomedical applications. This book explores the use of dendrimers for a variety of potential functions, including antiamyloidogenic agents, drug delivery systems, nucleic acid and RNA delivery vectors and to produce hybrid fibre platforms for nantechnology. Following the work of COST action TD0802, the main objective of which is to improve existing therapies and find new drugs based on dendrimers, the book will provide comprehensive coverage of dendrimer applications. Coverage includes modelling and molecular dynamic studies of dendrimers and dendrons, anionic dendrimer polymers, cationic carbosilane dendrimers and self-assembled multivalent dendrimers. Providing clear indications for future research and applications, this text will appeal to chemists, biologists and materials scientists, working in both academia and industry.

The dendrimer is a common name of polymers which are characterised by a specific structure, although their chemical composition can be very different. Dendrimers display several characteristics which distinguish them from linear polymers. All dendrimers are synthesised by attaching branched monomers to the central core molecule. Monomers are attached layer by layer. As a result of such a synthesis, dendrimers posses plenty of terminal, reactive groups on their surface and empty internal cavities. Both of these features can be utilised. Soon after the first synthesis in mid-1980's, dendrimers have become interesting and promising molecules for pharmaceutical and technical aims. The last years brought many new facts about dendrimers impact on biological systems. Both, general toxic studies, as well as detailed research devoted to particular cellular compounds, as DNA or lipid bilayer, were carried out. New types of dendrimers were synthesised and new applications appeared.