Generation dependent hemolytic profile of folate engineered poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer

The success of any drug delivery carrier strictly depends on its toxicological profile. Apart from huge drug delivery potential of dendrimers, toxicity associated with their positively charged surfaces, constrains their biomedical applications. Engineering of these surfaces with targeting ligands not only diminishes their toxicity but also enhances the targeting potential. Conjugation of folate on the surface of poly(propyleneimine) (PPI) dendrimers is widely explored concept. The present paper investigated generation-dependent hemolytic toxicity of folate anchored PPI dendrimer (FA-PPI3, FA-PPI4 and FA-PPI5) at different concentrations (0.1–0.5% w/v). Further the effect of folate engineered PPI dendrimers on the surface morphology of human erythrocytes and hematological parameters was also observed. In the final outcome the extent of hemolysis was found to be concentration as well as generation dependent.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide