| CMC | Critical micellar concentration |
| CMS | Core–multishell |
| CR | Cumulative release |
| DDS | Drug delivery system |
| DF | Degree of functionalization |
| hPG | Hyperbranched polyglycerol |
| hPG–NH2 | Hyperbranched polyglycerol amine |
| ITCC | Indotriscarbocyanine |
| PEI | Poly(ethyleneimine) |