Smart dendrimers: Synergizing the targeting of anticancer bioactives

Optimization of biological performance of a carrier in cancer drug delivery depends on the targeting potential of the delivery system and its ability to control the drug release precisely. Dendrimers has emerged as a potential carrier of anticancer drugs due to some unique properties such as mono-dispersity, defined structure, amenability for functionalization using diverse ligands and its low-nanometer size. The dendrimers could be decorated to make them smart enough to carry the drug to the desired locus and release it in a controlled manner. The introduction of stimuli responsive functionality on dendrimers allows the release of payloads in response to a specific trigger only. These triggers could be endogenous in nature (acid, enzyme, and redox potentials) or it could be applied externally (light and temperature). These smart functionalities synergize the targeting of dendrimers and enable dendrimer-based anticancer drug delivery more efficient and safer. This review highlights the potential of stimuli responsive strategy for the controlled release of anticancer drug from dendritic assemblies.