Recent Advances in Dendrimer Research for Cardiovascular Diseases.

Dendrimers, as a type of artificially synthesized polymers, have been increasingly attracting attention in many research fields, including the material and medical sciences, due to their unique characteristics that include their highly branched and well-defined molecular architecture, multivalency and tunable chemical compositions. These advantages make dendrimers potential carriers for the delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents. Herein, we review the recent advances in dendrimer research for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, with special focus on their applications as carriers for drug and gene delivery, as contrast agents, and as potential new drugs.