Macromolecular carriers active targeting

In macromolecular dmg delivery systems, dmgs are attached to polymeric compounds, such as synthetic polymers [60], dendrimers [61], and antibodies [62], in order to enhance the delivery of the active substance to the diseased tissue and to reduce the toxicity to healthy tissue. The use of macromolecular delivery systems provides several advantages extension of the half-life of the dmg, the ability to introduce targeting moieties into the carrier, the possibility of triggered dmg release, and the aforementioned reduced cytotoxicity. 

Applications of polymers can vary broadly from short-term peripheral like a simple coating that lubricates a surface of a catheter to enhance comfort and biocompatibility up to permanent implants and finally active and responsive systems that actively interfere with biological processes. In their role as carriers for diagnostics and treatment, polymers can either just be a neutral material acting as a reservoir or they can carry targeting functions or actively respond to stimuli for inducing delivery. Increasing complexity of the macromolecular... 

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