PAMAM Dendrimer Nanomolecules Utilized as Drug Delivery Systems for Potential Treatment of Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GB) is a grade IV astrocytoma that maintains a poor prognosis with respect to current treatment options. Despite major advancements in the fields of surgery and chemoradiotherapy over the last few decades, the life expectancy for someone with glioblastoma remains virtually unchanged and warrants a new approach for treatment. Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are a type of nanomolecule that ranges in size (between 1 and 100 nm) and shape and can offer a new viable solution for the treatment of intracranial tumors, including glioblastoma. Their ability to deliver a variety of therapeutic cargo and penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB), while preserving low cytotoxicity, make them a favorable candidate for further investigation into the treatment of glioblastoma. Here, we present a systematic review of the current advancements in PAMAM dendrimer technology, including the wide spectrum of dendrimer generations formulated, surface modifications, core modifications, and conjugations developed thus far to enhance tumor specificity and tumor penetration for treatment of glioblastoma. Furthermore, we highlight the extensive variety of therapeutics capable of delivery by PAMAM dendrimers for the treatment of glioblastoma, including cytokines, peptides, drugs, siRNAs, miRNAs, and organic polyphenols. While there have been prolific results stemming from aggressive research into the field of dendrimer technology, there remains a nearly inexhaustible amount of questions that remain unanswered. Nevertheless, this technology is rapidly developing and is nearing the cusp of use for aggressive tumor treatment. To that end, we further highlight future prospects in focus as researchers continue developing more optimal vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic cargo.

Glioblastoma and PAMAM Dendrimers

Glioma is an umbrella term for tumors that arise in the brain and spinal cord classified based on the known or presumed cell of origin: astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, or ependymomas derived, respectively, from astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, or ependymal cells.^1,2 Astrocytoma is further categorized into four grades based on the extent of dysplasia: pilocytic astrocytoma (grade I), low-grade astrocytoma (grade II), anaplastic astrocytoma (grade III), and glioblastoma (GB; grade IV).³ Gliomas may present with the following clinical symptoms and rarely metastasize: epileptic seizures, confusion, vision problems, personality changes, hearing and locomotor disabilities, cardiorespiratory changes, and pulmonary embolism and thrombosis.³

Gliomas are the most common tumor type in the central nervous system and constitute approximately 80% of all malignant brain tumors.^4,5 In particular, GB is highly aggressive with a dismal prognosis of inevitable mortality. Its aggressive development is due to the extensive vascular endothelial tissue proliferation, parenchymal necrosis, high cell density, and nuclear atypia. Current theories postulate their origins as either evolving from preexisting secondary GB (low-grade astrocytoma) or as de novo mutations.² Median survival rate for patients undergoing surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy is approximately 14 months, with a less than 5% survival rate after 5 years.^6,7 Within the last 2 decades, the use of chemotherapy for GB treatment has seen only minor improvements, most notably with replacement of carmustine, nimustine, and lomustine with temozolomide (TMZ) as first-line therapy. Despite this, TMZ with radiotherapy and surgical resection have only marginally improved survival rates beyond 5 years.^8,9 Clearly, there is a need for more innovative treatment options and the use of nanomolecules may present as a viable solution.

Nanomolecules have been in use for decades in a variety of industrial sectors, including agriculture, construction, petroleum, and more recently, biomedical sciences.^10–14 The term “nano” refers to their 1–100 nm size and they are capable of carrying biomolecules, nucleic acids, and drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making them ideal for use in nano-therapy. The fascination surrounding nanomolecules stems from their customizability based on the constructed size, distribution of surface molecules, and surface modifications and conjugations. As a result, they may be developed with notable variation in intrinsic properties, such as melting temperatures, diffusion capacity, solubility, and in some cases, quantum effects.^15–18 Examples of other nanocarriers that have been utilized in drug delivery include liposomes, polymeric micelles, and carbon nanotubes, each with their own strengths and limitations. For example, liposomes are spherical vesicles that function as highly efficient drug carriers; however, they must be PEGylated in order to prevent aberrant immune responses. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a non-hydrophilic polymer that is non-toxic and non-immunogenic. Nevertheless, this essential coating of liposomes with PEG hinders endocytosis, the main route of uptake for liposomes to enter cells, thereby restricting drug delivery.¹⁹

Polymeric micelles are self-assembled nanostructures consisting of a core and a shell that are formed in aqueous solutions.²⁰ While polymeric micelles have been shown to effectively cross the BBB, the amounts in which they do this are subtherapeutic via systemic administration.²¹ Therefore, it is important to enhance tumor-targeting specificity as well as developing a controlled release if they are to be used in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules made of carbon atoms. Their high surface area allows them to absorb or conjugate with drugs, genes, and proteins.²² Perhaps the reason carbon nanotubes have not been a major player in the delivery of drugs in glioblastoma is due to their non-spherical shape – they have been reported to remain trapped within lymph nodes and take longer to clear than spherical nanocarriers such as liposomes and dendrimers.

Given the limitations in such aforementioned nanomolecules, this review will focus on PAMAM dendrimers and their use in delivering pharmacological agents, biomolecules, and peptides.²³

First conceptualized by Buhleier and colleagues in 1978, dendrimers were synthesized in the late 1970s and patented in the early 1980s by Donald Tomalia at Dow Chemical Company.²⁴ It was not until 1985 when Newkome and colleagues (2010) described the first example of divergently constructed cascade tree-like macromolecules, using sp3-carbon atoms as branching centers for the monomeric dendrons.²⁵

Their potential has since resulted in a surge of research into their capabilities in the 1990s and 2000s.²⁶ Presently, the highest generation we can achieve is a little over 10, but we can expect dendrimers in the two to three digit range in the near future.²⁷ PAMAM dendrimers were then synthesized in 1985 and are now investigated for use in nano-therapy of various neurodegenerative disease processes, including GB, due to their ability to efficiently bioconjugate and encapsulate treatments for delivery across the BBB.²⁸

The structure of a PAMAM dendrimer typically consists of three main parts: a core, a shell, and branches (generation). Its synthesis follows one of the two approaches: divergent or convergent. Divergent synthesis starts with the core followed by the addition of its arms outwards in a stepwise fashion.^29,30 Conversely, convergent synthesis begins with what will become the surface and working its way inward to couple end groups to each arm.^29,31 Scientists may choose the convergent or divergent approach based on what method best facilitates their overall aim or purpose – for instance, enhancing transfection efficacy of dendrimers into cells or utilizing core splitting to release packaged contents. With this model, various generations have since been produced, increasing in density, size, and surface terminals with each successive generation. For example, a generation 0 (G0) dendrimer is 1-nm in diameter and has 4 functional terminal units on its surface. A G1 dendrimer will be 2-nm in diameter with 8 terminal units while a G2 dendrimer has 16 terminal units, and so forth (Figure 1). The shape of the dendrimer is influenced by its size and surface terminals. Interestingly, Naylor and colleagues (1989) found that generations 1–3 have relatively asymmetric shapes while generations 5–7 have a highly spherical formation with G4 representing a transitional shape.³²

Figure 1.

Schematic representation of a PAMAM dendrimer with an amine surface. Each successive amide layer branching outward from the core is represented by a new generation (ie, G1, G2, G3, etc.). The internal space of the dendrimer is void and permits encapsulation of cargo.

Notes: Reproduced from Abbasi E, Aval SF, Akbarzadeh A, et al. Dendrimers: synthesis, applications, and properties. Nanoscale Research Letters, 2014;9(1):247.²⁹

The core of a PAMAM dendrimer is localized within the center and is the focal point from which the dendrimer branches. It is of interest as different cores may be used to better compliment the delivery of specific cargo. For instance, G4 PAMAM dendrimers with a cystamine core (Cys) contain a disulfide bond (-S-S-). Upon entry into GB cells, dendrimers transition into their abridged form due to the interaction with intracellular glutathione (GSH) which is found in increasing concentrations in cancer cells.³³ The resulting thiol (-SH) terminal group after separation into two separate dendrons has further been shown to have additional anti-inflammatory properties. This is particularly important as inflammation surrounding the cancerous growth is an additional unintended contributing factor to the damage surrounding normal tissue parenchyma. Moreover, this split also releases the cargo held between them.³⁴ The dendrimer core also influences the space (ie, “void”) between dendrons. For example, compared to a more standard ammonia core, a triethanolamine (TEA) core has several flexible ethylene glycol units, which expand the distance between dendrons, creating a larger void and enhancing the delivery of genes.^35,36 On the other hand, PAMAM dendrimers with lipids at the core, such as those containing two octadecenyl chains, are useful in sofar as they help condense DNA into smaller dendriplexes (complex between dendrimers and DNA) with higher stability.³⁷ Moving beyond the core, the construct of the shell affords another layer of creatively specific and unique PAMAM construct. The shell is the immediate layer of the dendrimer just beyond the core but has a different structure than that of the core material.³⁸ For instance, the dendrimer shell can be constructed with a hydrophilic layer and used to encapsulate small RNA and drugs.³⁹ Therefore, encapsulation of drugs with poor water solubility, and thus bioavailability, in PAMAM dendrimers is an efficient way to solubilize an otherwise non-soluble or less soluble molecule or drug in aqueous solution.⁴⁰ Presently, the size of the cavity limits the size of the cargo and discovering ways to create dendrimers with larger cavities that continue to have a stable structure is of great interest.

Dendrimers, like other nanomolecules, have an extremely high surface area-to-volume ratio.³⁸ Changing the surface groups of a dendrimer changes their physical and chemical properties as well, such that the surface properties of some (eg, amine-surface PAMAM dendrimers) allow them to be transported across epithelial barriers to a greater extent than more conventional linear water-soluble polymers.^41,42 The mechanism of dendrimer transport across epithelial cells is postulated to be an adsorptive-mediated endocytosis.⁴³

Despite their efficacy and widespread application, PAMAM dendrimer cell toxicity is a concern. In fact, some of the first cationic dendrimers synthesized were found to be extremely toxic to cells in vivo. This is largely attributed to the interactions between the negatively charged biological membranes and the high positive surface charge density of cationic dendrimers.⁴⁴ The toxicity of cationic PAMAM dendrimers, such as those with 100% amine surfaces, is well recorded and studies show an increasing toxicity with each succeeding generation.^45,46 On the other hand, anionic PAMAM dendrimers that carry a neutral net charge due to terminal end units such as carboxylic acid (-COOH) or hydroxyls (-OH) demonstrate low cell toxicity in vitro and in vivo.⁴⁷ Therefore, modification of the PAMAM dendrimer surface can alter the cytotoxicity of the nanomolecules and increase their biocompatibility.⁴⁸ Clearly, the ability to modify the core, branches, and surface of PAMAM dendrimers makes them versatile in their clinical applicability and viable as a potential treatment option for glioblastoma.⁴⁹

While PAMAM dendrimers are often modified or adapted for specific functions, confirming their shape and specific ionic properties is essential in characterizing them for appropriate use. Commonly used assays for this are high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis (CE), polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS).^50–53

HPLC is a technique that helps identify and quantify the separate components of a mixture or solution.⁵⁰ The mixture is dissolved in a liquid solvent and pumped through a column containing a solid adsorbent material. Each separate component of the sample mixture will react differently with the adsorbent material, causing changes between their flow rates and ultimately, separation of components as they come out the opposite end of the column.⁵⁰

Mass spectrometry is a technique that measures the mass:charge ratio of ions. It is used mainly to determine the isotopic signature and masses of particles and molecules but can also be used to help identify the molecular structure of compounds. It can be used on both pure samples and mixtures.⁵¹

Capillary gel electrophoresis (CE) is an electro-kinetic method for separating analytes by ionic mobility. It is typically used to characterize low generation dendrimers, yet becomes problematic when characterizing later generations, due to their similarities in charge density and interactions with the wall of the capillary. Additionally, CE requires a trained operator and expensive instrumentation.⁵²

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is a much cheaper alternative for separating macromolecules and nanoparticles based on their size and charge. It has several advantages over CE. The test does not require a large sample size and is a non-destructive way of measuring dendrimers without causing fragmentation. Its ability in characterization can be used to detect and separate the various cores and surface groups, exhibited by improved separation and staining characteristics.⁵²

Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is a technique which directs beams of neutrons at a sample which are then scattered by nuclear interaction. It measures these small scattering angles in order to elucidate the structure of substances on a mesoscopic scale 1–100 nm.⁵³

While there is a substantial list of chemical assays which can be used to characterize and define PAMAM dendrimers, these are some of the more common and useful techniques currently being implemented in the field of nanotechnology. As the use of PAMAM dendrimers in the field of experimental nanomedicine grows and expands, so will the technological advancements used to characterize them.

Here we present an overview and review of the most current experiments utilizing PAMAM dendrimers as a potential treatment for GB. The salient details of these investigations are highlighted in Table 1. Much of the studies with dendrimer technology is centered on the various therapeutics available and possible for delivery to GB cells in vitro and in vivo. These vary greatly from siRNAs to miRNAs, medications, cytokines, and other biomolecules. These investigations also examined the utility of various dendrimer surface modifications and conjugations to enhance delivery of unique cargo to GB cells, which warrants significant discussion and are highlighted in a comprehensive list in Tables 2 and 3.

Table 1.

Dendrimer Shell Modification(s) and Conjugation(s) for the Respective Dendrimer Generation Investigated, Ordered from G1-G7

Investigation	Dendrimer Construct(s)	Dendrimer Shell Conjugation/Modification(s)
Choi et al (2017)66	G1	PEG-PLGA
Pedro-Hernandez et al (2017)72	G1 and G2	Ethyphenyl and dodecyl alkyl
Stenstrӧm et al (2018)65	G1-G4 [2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid core]	Ammonium trifluoroacetate end groups
Janiszewska et al (2016)73	G2	Poly-L-lysine
Uram et al (2018, 2019)78,79	G3	Biotin
Uram et al (2017)63	G3	Biotin
McNerny et al (2009)57	G3	c(RGDyK) and biotin
Kaneshiro et al (2009)58	G3	Poly-lysine
Singh et al (2019)59	G3.5-G4	Ammine Carboxyl
Bae et al (2019)60	G4	Phenylalanine, histidine, and arginine
Munro et al (2019)61	G4	Hydroxyl:amine (90:10)
Wu et al (2018)77	G4	PEG
Liu et al (2018)87	G4	TAT PEG
Bae et al (2017)71	G4	Histidine and Arginine Histidine and Lysine
Bae et al (2016)70	G4	Histidine and Arginine Histidine and Lysine
Zhang et al (2015)74	G4	PEG Hydroxyl
Yang et al (2014)88	G4	Gd-NGO
Bai et al (2013)89	G4	Arginine
Qiu et al (2018)62	G5	β-CD moiety Au
Lesniak et al (2016)90	G5	N/A
Jiang et al (2016)75	G5	PEG
Zhao et al (2015)76	G5	PEG
Yan et al (2011)54	G5	PEG
Ren et al (2010)55	G5	N/A
Ofek et al (2010)56	G5	Polyglycerol
Perez et al (2011)34	G7	N/A

Table 2.

Summary of All Investigations for Treatment of Glioblastoma with PAMAM Dendrimer Technology - Transfection of GB Cells and/Or Penetration of GB Tumor with Dendrimer

Investigators	Cytotoxic Cargo	Cell Lines	Results	Cell Viability Measurement	Distribution Analyses
Bae et al (2019)60	Apoptin	GBL-14	PAMAM-FHR showed improved apoptin gene transfection efficacy vs PAMAM alone. PAMAM-FHR/pJDK-apoptin complex demonstrated apoptosis induction in the GBL-14 cell line with minimal cytotoxicity in control dermal fibroblasts.	[In vitro] EZ-Cytox assay	N/A
Qiu et al (2018)62	B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) siRNA VEGF siRNA	U87MG	Bcl-2 and VEGF-siRNA delivery with Au DENPs-β-CD modified G5 dendrimers had high uptake of vector polyplex and gene product silencing capabilities and low cell cytotoxicity.	[In vitro] MTT assay	[In vitro] flow cytometry
Liu et al (2018)87	KLAK	U87MG	KLAK-TAT-PEG conjugated G4 dendrimers (PKT-S-PEG) demonstrated enhanced U87MG cytotoxicity via mitochondrial apoptosis as well as increased depth of tumor penetration in U87MG spheroids.	[In vitro] JC-1 assay	N/A
Stenstrӧm et al (2018)65	p42-MAPK siRNA	U87MG C6	G2, G3, and G4 dendrimers successfully complexed the siRNA. G3 and G4 dendrimers showed toxicity in primary neurons only at high concentrations and G2 showed none. G3 and G4 dendrimers were taken up in C6 cell line for p42-MAPK siRNA delivery.	[In vitro] LDH release	[In vitro] Rhodamine fluorescence microscopy
Uram et al (2017)63	Biotin Pyridoxal	U-118 SCC-15	Increased cellular uptake of biotinylated G3 PAMAM dendrimers for up to 24 hrs of incubation. Cell viability of U-118-MG cells reduced with high sensitivity using biotinylated G3 PAMAM dendrimers with lower normal cell cytotoxicity.	[In vitro] neutral red lysosomal stability assay & XTT assay	[In vitro] FITC confocal microscopy
Jiang et al (2016)75	Pep-1 (glioma homing peptides)	U87MG	PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers conjugated with glioma homing peptide (Pep-1) for targeting U87MG cells in vitro and U87MG tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Pep-1 conjugated dendrimers were not cytotoxic to U87MG cells in vitro but was localized within U87MG cell lysosomes. Dendrimer construct accumulated in the tumor within tumor-bearing mice.	[In vitro] MTT assay	[In vitro] FITC fluorescence microscopy [In vivo] FITC & Cy5.5 fluorescence microscopy
Zhang et al (2015)74	Fibrin-binding peptide CREKA	9L	G4 PAMAM dendrimers delivered intracranially for rodent gliosarcoma. Dendrimers distributed throughout tumor within 15 mins with high permeation and perfusion. Dendrimers cleared at a rate of 0.01 μg/g/hr and accumulated in the renal cortex.	N/A	[In vivo] FITC & Cy5.5 fluorescence
Zhao et al (2015)76	Fibrin-binding CREKA	U87MG	CREKA-conjugated PEGlyated PAMAM dendrimers enhanced fibrin binding capacity of dendrimers and increases uptake into glioma. Nanoparticles also found in kidney, liver, and spleen.	N/A	[In vitro], [In vivo], & [ex vivo] IVIS spectrum imaging
Yang et al (2014)88	Epirubicin Let-7g miRNA	U87MG	PAMAM dendrimers conjugated with Gd-NGO carried epirubicin and Let-7g miRNA which inhibited cancer cell growth and showed efficient transfection.	[In vivo] FAM-labelled fluorescence microscopy	[In vivo] FAM -labelled fluorescence microscopy
Yan et al (2011)54	Tumor vasculature targeted cyclic peptides BBB-permeable angiopep-2 peptides	U87MG	G5 PAMAM dendrimers packaged with peptides target integrin on tumor vasculature and LRP receptors on vascular endothelial cells and tumor cells for targeting U87MG GB cells.	[In vitro] MTT assay	[In vitro] & [In vivo] Den-RGD-Angio fluorescence microscopy
Ofek et al (2010)56	Luciferase siRNA	U87MG	PEI-PAMAM dendrimers delivered luciferase siRNA to silence luciferase gene expression in U87MG cancer cells with high efficacy and low cytotoxicity.	[In vitro] XTT assay	[In vivo] Bioluminescence imaging with mCherry and FITC-labelled luciferase siRNA

Table 3.

Summary of All Investigations for Treatment of Glioblastoma with PAMAM Dendrimer Technology - Inhibition of GB Growth and Proliferation

Investigators	Cytotoxic Cargo	Cell Lines	Results	Cell Viability Measurement	Distribution Analyses
Singh et al (2019)59	Docetaxel	U87MG GL261	Hybrid dendrimer (G4-G3.5) constructs conjugated with docetaxel were increasingly toxic to U87MGMG cells at high concentrations, non-toxic to control cells, and stable in storage over 180 days.	[In vitro] MTT assay & flow cytometry	N/A
Munro et al (2019)61	Curcumin	GL261	D-Cys-Cur and D-Cys transfection of GL261 cells demonstrated similar anti-inflammatory properties. Treatment with both complexes in mice equally prolonged mouse lifespan. No difference in mouse tumor sizes were found between treatment groups.	[In vitro] MTT assay	N/A
Wu et al (2018)77	cMBP	U87MG	MET-targeting cMBP peptides (Den-cMBP10) conjugated to G4 dendrimers showed inhibition of U87MG cell proliferation with reduced pMET, pAKT, and pERK1/2 expression levels. Glioma volume size decreased significantly with Den-cMBP10 and median mouse survival increased by 59%.	[In vitro] TUNEL assay	[In vivo] MRI
Uram et al (2018, 2019)78,79	Celecoxib Fmoc-L-Leucine	U-118 SCC-15 HaCaT	Conjugated dendrimer delivery of both celecoxib and Fmoc-L-Leucine at a ratio of 1:1 showed significant cytotoxicity in U-118 cells. Decreased cell viability, mobility, and proliferation in U-118 cells with administration of a lower dose of G3-BCL (1–2 μM)	[In vitro] NR assay [In vitro] Apo-ONE®Homogenous Caspase-3/7 Assay	[In vitro] Fluorescence confocal microscopy
Choi et al (2017)66	Quercetin Acetazolamide	U251	Quercetin conjugated PEG-PLGA micelles induced minimal cell death and reduced nitric oxide release. Acetazolamide conjugated PEG-PLGA micelles showed increased cell death.	[In vitro] Hoechst stain & spheroid cultures	[In vitro] UV-absorbance spectrometry
Bae et al (2017)71	Apoptin	U87MG	PAMAM-H-R and PAMAM-H-K showed increased transfection efficiency compared to PAMAM. Decreased cell cytotoxicity with PAMAM-H-R/pJDK-apoptin use and greater apoptosis induction and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential than PAMAM-H-K/pJDK-apoptin.	[In vitro] EZ-Cytox cell viability assay, Caspase 3 activity assay, & cell cycle distribution	[In vitro] flow cytometry & fluorescence confocal microscopy
Pedro-Hernandez et al (2017)72	Ibuprofen	U251 PC-3 K-562 HCT-15 MCF-7 SKLU-7 MDA-MB-231	Ibuprofen conjugated to the resorcinarene-PAMAM dendrimers resulted in high inhibition of cell growth and cytotoxicity in all cell lines. Dendrimer conjugation and modification potency: ethylphenyl group with 16 ibuprofen moieties > dodecyl group with 16 ibuprofen moieties > dodecyl group with 8 ibuprofen moieties > ethylphenyl group with 8 ibuprofen moieties.	[In vitro] Protein-binding dye sulforhodamine B cytotoxic assay	[In vitro] hydrolysis release analysis & fluorescence microscopy
Janiszewska et al (2016)73	siRNA	U87MG C6	PLL dendrimers protect siRNA from degradation and inhibited cell proliferation of GB cell lines; PLL dendrimers mediate cell toxicity with ROS production after 24 hrs with mitochondrial depolarization to inhibit GB cell proliferation.	N/A	[In vitro] fluorescence microscopy
Bae et al (2016)70	Apoptin	GBL-14 GBL-37	PAMAM-H-R shows better transfection efficiency and higher expression of apoptin vs PAMAM and PAMAM-H-K dendrimers. 36 hr transfection in tumor cells with PAMAM-H-R/pJDK-apoptin resulted in cell death and no apoptosis in dermal fibroblasts with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and depletion of cell glutathione levels.	[In vitro] EZ-Cytox cell viability assay kit, LDH assay, & glutathione assay	[In vitro] confocal microscopy & FACS
Lesniak et al (2016)90	Salicylic acid	U87MG	G5 PAMAM dendrimers conjugated to salicylic acid delivered to U87MG GB-bearing mice. CEST and MRI imaging showed 50% of the tumor images contained the G5 dendrimer construct.	N/A	[In vivo] chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI
Bai et al (2013)89	IFN-β	U87MG	G4 PAMAM-R/pORF dendrimers packaged with IFN-β inhibited cancer cell growth in vitro by 27%. Xenografts of cancer cells with dendrimer construct inhibited cancer cell growth.	[In vitro] MTT assay [In vivo] TUNEL assay	[In vitro] ELISA (GFP and luciferase)
Perez et al (2011)34	siRNA	T98G J774	G7 dendrimers packaged with siRNA administered with an endocytotic inhibitor. Dendriplexes were taken up by clathrin-dependent endocytosis and caveolin-mediated endocytosis in J774 cells and by cholesterol, caveolin, and actin cytoskeleton pathways in T98G cells.	N/A	[In vitro] Trypan blue and FITC-labelled fluorescence microscopy
Ren et al (2010)55	Taxol miR-21 inhibitor	U251	PAMAM dendrimers packaged with taxol and miR-21 inhibitors enhanced cell apoptosis in U251 and LN229 (control) cells.	[In vitro] MTT assay [In vivo] annexin V/PI staining and flow cytometry	[In vitro] microscopy of transwell chambers
McNerny et al (2009)57	Methotrexate	U87MG HUVEC	PAMAM dendrimers conjugated with c(RGDyK) packaged with methotrexate inhibited tumor growth in vitro.	[In vitro] XTT assay	[In vitro] flow cytometry [In vivo] confocal microscopy
Kaneshiro et al (2009)58	Doxorubicin Luciferase siRNA	U87MG	G3 Poly(L-lysine) dendrimers with a silsesquioxane cubic core and c(RGDfK) conjugate were packaged with doxorubicin and siRNA. Successfully inhibited U87MG-Luc cell growth from doxorubicin-induced cytotoxicity and siRNA effects.	[In vitro] MTT assay	[In vitro] Cy3-siRNA confocal microscopy

Earlier Investigations into Dendrimer Application for Glioblastoma

Here we briefly describe the investigations undertaken in the earlier years of PAMAM dendrimer technology used for treatment of GB. The progressions since then have largely been focussed on developing a less cytotoxic, more permeating, and cell-specific targeted dendrimer construct. For instance, Perez and colleagues (2011) experimented with a larger G7 dendrimer complex which carried siRNA to T98G (GB) and J774 (macrophage) cells.³⁴ Dendrimers of this size are seldom used as newer investigations have found that smaller dendrimers, such as G4, are more effective in crossing the BBB while as effective in delivering the cargo. Nonetheless, Perez and colleagues (2011) found that in T98G cells, the following treatments and respective resulting measures of reduction in glioblastoma cell proliferation were observed: MbetaCD - 75%, genistein - 50%, and chloroquine – 10–20%.³⁴ Yan and colleagues (2011) developed tumor cell target-specific dendrimers for drug delivery by developing a G5 PAMAM dendrimer complexed with tumor vasculature targeted cyclic peptides and BBB-permeable angiopep-2 peptides.⁵⁴ The nanoprobe targets the integrin on tumor vasculatures and the LRP receptors on the vascular endothelial cells and the tumor cells, allowing the complex to specifically target U87MG GB xenograft cells.⁵⁴

Finally, several earlier research investigations sought to identify various therapeutic agents that could be successfully delivered to tumor cell lines with notable effects, some of such agents having been previously described in the newer investigations. For instance, Ren and colleagues (2010) used human glioblastoma cells U251 (PTEN-mutant) and LN229 (PTEN wild-type) to treat with taxol and miR-21 inhibitors packaged in G5 PAMAM dendrimers either as a combination or individually.⁵⁵ MiR-21 inhibitors downregulate miR-21 to allow for the anti-tumor effects of taxol. They found that U251 and LN229 cells treated with both miR-21 and taxol displayed significantly more apoptosis compared to taxol alone.⁵⁵ Ofek et al (2010) developed a polymerized polyglycerol-based dendrimer (PEI-PAMAM) shell to deliver siRNA to silence luciferase (luc) in tumors in vivo.⁵⁶ They found the nanocarriers exhibited low cytotoxicity and high efficacy in delivering active siRNA into GB and murine mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines.⁵⁶ McNerny and colleagues (2009) synthesized G3 PAMAM dendrimers with c(RGDyK) peptide on the surface to conjugate biotin, methotrexate, or additional functionalized dendron at the focal point which targeted human glioblastoma cells (U87MG) in vitro.⁵⁷ Kaneshiro and colleagues (2009) formulated a PLL dendrimer with a silsesquioxane cubic core (nanoglobules).⁵⁸ G3 nano-globular dendrimers were used to conjugate the peptide c(RGDfK) with a PEG spacer for delivery of doxorubicin and siRNA to U87 cells. The result was efficacious silencing in U87-Luc cells.⁵⁸

Recent Progress in PAMAM Dendrimer Technology

Surface and Core Modifications

One of the future directions of dendrimer synthesis consists of creating hybrid dendrimers composed of several different individual dendrimers into a nexus or nano-assembly. Previously, it has been shown that the release profile of drugs can be controlled by tuning the dendrimer-to-drug ratio in assembly. Singh and colleagues (2019) mixed G4 PAMAM-(NH₂) with G3.5 PAMAM-(COOH) dendrimers along with the chemotherapeutic drug, Docetaxel (DTX), to form such a complex.⁵⁹ DTX has well-documented toxic tissue effects and challenges with solubility and controlled drug release. Several nano-carrier systems have been able to improve its solubility and toxicity but failed to maintain controlled release due to premature leakage of the drug from its carriers. Singh and colleagues (2019) developed this next generation dendrimer hybrid for oral administration to improve drug solubility, oral bioavailability, and drug release profile. The solubility profile of docetaxel amine-dendrimer complex (A-DTX), docetaxel-sodium carboxylate dendrimer complexes (C-DTX), and docetaxel and amine-carboxylate hybrid dendrimer complexes AC-DTX (premix and in situ) were examined. Ultimately, AC-DTX showed the greatest solubility of the four complexes. Meanwhile, the storage stability of all complexes was unchanged over 180 days. In vitro cell viability experiments further demonstrated that dendrimer-DTX conjugates were toxic to U87MG (human primary glioblastoma) and GL261 (mouse glioma) cells at higher concentrations and non-toxic at nearly all concentrations in CHO and HEK-293 cells. Their results demonstrate that hybrid dendrimer-based nano-assemblies can be used to increase the physicochemical stability and bioavailability of commercially based drugs on a level that is comparable to intravenous administration, while minimizing cytotoxicity in non-cancerous cells.⁵⁹

While improving stability and bioavailability of dendrimer constructs is crucial, another major obstacle to overcome in the treatment of cancer is achieving high specificity to cancer cells while minimizing non-cancer cell cytotoxicity. This was the primary investigational premise of Bae and colleagues (2019) who designed a PAMAM dendrimer with phenylalanine, histidine, and arginine surface modifications (PAMAM-FHR).⁶⁰ This construct delivered a tumor cell-specific gene, apoptin, to human primary glioma cell lines (GBL-14) and human dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Apoptin was complexed with PAMAM derivatives and cell lines treated with either PAMAM or PAMAM-FHR dendrimers at increasing doses over 24 and 48 hrs showed negligible toxicity in all cell lines. Transfection efficacy was measured in vitro to compare PAMAM and PAMAM-FHR dendrimers. The latter resulted in significantly higher cellular expression of apoptin compared to the former, suggesting that surface modifications with FHR may enhance gene transfer into glioma cells.⁶⁰

While surface modifications to PAMAM dendrimers influence the cell-specificity of the dendrimers, they can also enhance cargo delivery. For instance, at Central Michigan University, a G4 PAMAM dendrimer with a cystamine core (D-Cys) with a 90:10 surface ratio of hydroxyl to amine has been developed to encapsulate curcumin (Cur).⁶¹ This ratio creates an overall positive charge with less cationic density compared to the pure amine surface dendrimers to facilitate cell entry. Furthermore, Cur and the cystamine core possess the anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties important for GB growth suppression. While Cur is normally metabolized rapidly in the liver and has poor solubility and bioavailability, encapsulating it inside the cavities of the dendrimer stabilizes the release, increases solubility and stability, and allows it to cross the BBB in therapeutic quantities.⁶¹

Surface modifications can also involve more complex components such as cyclic compounds. For instance, Qiu and colleagues (2018) used a β-cyclodextrin (CD)-modified, gold (Au)-entrapped dendrimer (DENP) to deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) to GB cells.⁶² These amine-terminated (NH₂) G5 PAMAM dendrimers were partially grafted with β-CD as a nanoreactor to entrap Au nanomolecules and were complexed with either B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) siRNA or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) siRNA. The β-CD moiety, a cyclic oligosaccharide, functioned to facilitate the release of plasmid DNA (pDNA) or siRNA complex from endosomes after endocytic uptake of the dendrimer. Uptake of the siRNA by cancer cells was measured and results demonstrated that for both Bcl-2 siRNA and VEGF-siRNA polyplexes, the uptake of the vector polyplex was higher when packaged in the β-CD-modified dendrimer versus the non-modified dendrimer. Moreover, Bcl2 and VEGF protein expression were successfully decreased in cells treated with the dendrimer-delivered siRNA polyplexes with protein expression decreased most in cells treated with the β-CD-modified dendrimer. Au was utilized to compensate for the dendrimer terminal amine cytotoxicity by reducing the density of amine groups and improve cytocompatibility of the dendrimers. Moreover, it helped maintain the globular conformation of the dendrimer to enhance compaction of the siRNA.⁶²

While β-CD offers an excellent and highly specific mode of targeted cancer therapy, Uram and colleagues (2017) examined the use of folate and biotin as another potential surface modification for cell-specific targeting.⁶³ Cancer therapy research often examines the use of folate and biotin due to overexpression of folate-binding protein and increased biotin receptors in cancer cell membranes for the rapid and uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Given this principle, Uram and colleagues (2017) used G3 PAMAM dendrimers functionalized with four biotin equivalents attached to the amine shell.⁶³ Biotinylated bioconjugates are known to have lower cytotoxicity and 3–4 times higher cellular uptake than non-biotinylated dendrimer conjugates. This is important as unmodified PAMAM dendrimers are known to be cytotoxic and increase in cytotoxicity with increased size and cationic character of their surface.⁶⁴

Similar to Qiu and colleagues (2018), Uram and colleagues (2017) found increased uptake of biotin-conjugated dendrimers compared to non-conjugated dendrimers.^62,63 This increased with incubation time and reached a steady state within the cells after 24 and 48 hrs at low and high concentrations, respectively.⁶³ Conjugated dendrimers also had lower cytotoxicity in normal fibroblasts and SCC-15 (squamous cell carcinoma) cancer cell line with higher cytotoxic effects in U-118MG (human glioblastoma) cell lines. Moreover, cancer cell lines also had higher rates of cellular uptake of the biotin-conjugated dendrimers throughout the 24 hrs of incubation. However, the U-118MG cells had the highest sensitivity to conjugated dendrimers and reduced cell viability below 40% at a given concentration. Overall, the biotinylated conjugated G3 PAMAM dendrimers were less cytotoxic compared to the unconjugated dendrimers and had significantly greater cellular uptake into cancer cells.⁶³

The ability to manipulate the net charge and properties of PAMAM dendrimers through surface modification and conjugation allows them to serve as both a delivery system and a therapeutic itself. While DNA and siRNA are often conjugated to the surface of PAMAM dendrimers, other common biomolecules that are utilized are ligands, peptides, PEG, antibodies, antioxidants, and plasmids (Figure 2).

Figure 2.

A representation of G4-PAMAM-NH2 dendrimer depicting some possible surface modifications on their surface (figure not to scale).

Note: Adapted from Materials Today, 18(10), Kesharwani P, Banerjee S, Gupta U, et al, PAMAM dendrimers as promising nanocarriers for RNAi therapeutics, 565–572, Copyright (2015), with permission from Elsevier.⁹¹

Modifications to dendrimers are not only limited to the shell but may involve changes to the core as well. For instance, Stenstrӧm and colleagues (2018) investigated the use of a polyester core in various generations of dendrimers.⁶⁵ These esters are formulated from 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid (bis-MPA) and their prior experiments demonstrated rapid degradation of these core-modified dendrimers at physiological pH and temperature with low cytotoxicity.⁶⁵ Using G1-G4 polyester core-modified dendrimers they investigated the efficacy of delivering siRNA targeting p42-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in C6 and U87MG cell lines. Initial experiments in dendrimer complexion with siRNA found that G1 dendrimers were unsuccessful in integrating the cargo while G2-G4 were successful and utilized for later analyses. G2 dendrimers showed no cytotoxicity at any concentration tested whereas cytotoxicity of G3 and G4 dendrimers were dose-dependent (ie, cytotoxicity reached upwards of 60% at the highest concentration of G4 dendrimer). Moreover, transfection of G3 and G4 dendrimers into the cytoplasm of C6 and U87MG cells was observed with a corresponding 20% decrease in p42-MAPK protein expression in C6 cells, indicating successful transport of the siRNA into tumor cells.⁶⁵

Dendrimer shapes can vary according to the size and surface charges of the nanomolecules. However, some structures may be formed as a linear construct while others, such as those by Choi and colleagues (2017), can be a hybrid.⁶⁶ Unlike the surface modifications previously described, they formulated a linear-dendrimer block copolymer hybrid called telodendrimers; commercial linear poly(ethylene glycol)-poly-(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) used as the surface modification to the classical spherical PAMAM dendrimers. These are hybrid systems that incorporate linear and hyperbranched architectures for a novel nano-structural delivery of drugs that are either covalently bound or physically entrapped. The PEG conjugation has been shown to prolong circulation time of the dendrimer as well as reduce their side effects.^67–69 Quercetin, a plant-derived bioactive flavonoid and antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables was entrapped in this hybrid dendrimer for transport. Quercetin has therapeutic potential as a pleiotropic kinase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-allergic effects. In cancer cells, it inhibits nuclear translocation of NF-ĸB, but its low bioavailability and water solubility require micellar delivery. Temozolomide was also added in the telodendrimers to suppress carbonic anhydrase IX and II which are often highly expressed in GB cells.⁶⁶

Choi et al (2017) found that without nanocarrier delivery to U251 GB cells, quercetin was 50% more effective in cell death induction when compared at equimolar concentrations to temozolomide.⁶⁶ GB spheroid cell death was also analyzed with quercetin for 1, 3, and 7 days and cell death was observed to peak at three days. However, with quercetin physically entrapped in the linear-conjugated telodendrimers, there was a significant increase in cancer cell death. Likewise, there was a 7-fold increase in GB cell death in U251 spheroids when acetazolamide is encapsulated in telodendrimers compared to free acetazolamide.⁶⁶

Modifications to dendrimers can be as complex as linear-spherical dendrimer hybrids, while others focus simply on altering the amino acid surface profile. For instance, Bae and colleagues (2016) developed a combination of histidine and arginine or histidine and lysine surface amine modification of PAMAM dendrimers.⁷⁰ They developed these dendrimers for delivery of the apoptin gene to glioma cells (GBL-14 cells) and dermal fibroblasts. Apoptin is a 14-kDa basic proline-rich protein containing signals for nuclear localization and export. It induces apoptosis exclusively in a variety of tumor cells. It localizes to the nucleus of tumor and carcinogenic cells but remains in the cytoplasm in primary cells. The dendrimer-apoptin polyplex was formed between the amine of the dendrimer and the anionic phosphate moiety of the DNA backbone. The complexes formed were PAMAM, PAMAM-H-K, and PAMAM-H-R with either pJDK or pJDK-apoptin. The native dendrimer was found to be more cytotoxic than PAMAM-H-R and PAMAM-H-K in GBL-37 cells, whereas in GBL-14 and dermal fibroblasts, the polyplexes did not affect cell viability. Moreover, transfection efficiency was improved with PAMAM-H-R compared to native PAMAM. While both GBL-14 and dermal fibroblasts expressed apoptin after transfection with native PAMAM, PAMAM-H-K, and PAMAM-H-R, the highest expression was found to be in the PAMAM-H-R polyplex. Accordingly, transfection with the PAMAM-H-R pJDK-apoptin complex after 36 hrs demonstrated increased apoptosis in GBL-14 but not dermal fibroblasts.⁷⁰ These results suggest excellent utility in histidine and arginine surface modification to PAMAM dendrimers for efficient delivery of the apoptin gene to glioma cells with lower cytotoxicity compared to native PAMAM dendrimers.⁷⁰

In a follow-up investigation, Bae and colleagues (2017) once again utilized the PAMAM-H-R and PAMAM-H-K dendrimers to deliver apoptin to U87MG human glioblastoma cells and newborn human dermal fibroblast cells (NB-HDF).⁷¹ Both cell lines were transfected with one of the following complexes: native PAMAM pJDK, PAMAM-R pJDK, PAMAM-H-R pJDK, or PAMAM-H-K pJDK, either with or without the apoptin gene cargo. Levels of apoptin gene expression were significantly high in cells treated with apoptin complexed inside all dendrimer complexes carrying the gene. Moreover, apoptin expression was localized to the nucleus of U87MG cells and in the cytoplasm of NB-HDF cells as expected. U87MG cells were found to be more sensitive and had significantly greater loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with PAMAM-H-R/pJDK-apoptin-induced caspase 3 apoptosis than PAMAM-H-K, indicating that the anti-cancer activity is due to decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and increased caspase 3 activity in cancer cells.⁷¹ Altogether, their experiments have demonstrated that the PAMAM-H-R/pJDK-apoptin complex has negligible levels of cytotoxicity, enhanced transfection efficiency, cellular uptake, and ability to induce apoptosis via mitochondrial-dependent pathways in U87MG cells, indicating an efficacious delivery system with the H-R-surface modification to the PAMAM dendrimer.⁷¹

Another novel surface modification developed by Pedro-Hernandez and colleagues (2017) utilized ethylphenyl or dodecyl alkyl PAMAM conjugation for delivery of ibuprofen.⁷² Specifically, G1 and G2-modified PAMAM dendrimers were synthesized with either 8 or 16 ibuprofen moieties and applied to human glioblastoma, prostatic adenocarcinoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Ibuprofen release from G1-modified dendrimers was approximately 65–68% whereas G2-modified dendrimers was 76–80%. In vitro cell uptake of ibuprofen in PC-3 cells was confirmed after incubation with ibuprofen-carrying dendrimers. However, modified dendrimers were also found to be cytotoxic to PC-3 cells and showed changes in morphology with an increase in cell volume, resulting in round and detached cells. Free ibuprofen was cytotoxic in the U251, K-562, HCT-15, and SKLU-1 cell lines. Once conjugated to the G1-modified dendrimer, in vitro analyses found significant cell growth inhibition in the PC-3, MCF-7-7, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, whereas with G2-modified dendrimers, cell growth inhibition was 100% in all cell lines. Moreover, U251, K-562, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 cell lines were highly sensitive to growth inhibition by dendrimers conjugated with ibuprofen. Their results further showed that the potency of the dendrimer in cancer cell growth suppression was based according to the surface modification (ethylphenyl > dodecyl) and number of ibuprofen moieties (16 > 8). In particular, both G1 and G2 dendrimers carrying ibuprofen had significant cell death effects in human glioblastoma and human mammary adenocarcinoma cell lines.⁷²

Not unlike the previous amino acid surface modifications described thus far, Janiszewska and colleagues (2016) synthesized G2 dendrimers with an amphiphilic poly-L-lysine (PLL) surface modification for carrying siRNA.⁷³ The PLL dendrimers were able to completely bind siRNA at varying dendrimer:siRNA molar ratios. Uptake of PLL dendrimers was found to both protect siRNA from the RNAse-mediated degradation and help transport siRNA to the interior of both U87MG and C6 glioblastoma cells; the siRNA uptake ranged from 42% to 51%, with no difference between the two cell lines. Moreover, PLL dendrimers were also found to cause mitochondrial depolarization and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that peaked at 24 hrs, resulting in inhibition of GB cell proliferation.⁷³

Hydroxylation of the dendrimer terminal is another surface modification that allows for a more tailorable branched macromolecule with a hydrodynamic size small enough and with near-neutral surface charge to cross the BBB and extracellular matrix. This is crucial as the BBB presents as a natural barrier to therapeutic delivery to intracranial tumors such as GB. As such, improving the dendrimer tumor selectivity is as critical as its focused biodistribution to tumor regions. Zhang and colleagues (2015) investigated this approach to facilitate more rapid uptake of G4 PAMAM dendrimers into GB cells.⁷⁴ Using confocal microscopy, the G4-PAMAM-OH dendrimer was found to accumulate in a 6-mm tumor within 15 mins after intracranial injection into rodent GB while in the healthy contralateral hemisphere, the dendrimer outlined the blood vessels but did not enter the parenchyma. Fifteen minutes after delivery, the dendrimers dispersed throughout the entirety of the tumor. Four hours later, the extracellular distribution in the tumor region decreased with increased inflammatory cells. The concentration in the contralateral hemisphere after 8 hrs was 8-fold lower than in the tumor area with only traces detected after 24 hrs. Forty-eight hours later, the tumor was 10 times more exposed to the dendrimer than in the contralateral hemisphere. Dendrimers cleared from the tumor at a rate of 0.01µg/g/hr and from the peritumoral area at a rate of 0.007µg/g/hr. Permeation constant (K_in) was 10-fold higher in tumor and peritumoral area compared to the contralateral hemisphere, indicating increased penetration of dendrimers and increased permeability and perfusion of tumor tissue. These results demonstrated the selective and homogenous distribution of the G4-PAMAM-OH dendrimer throughout the solid tumor and peritumoral area just 15 mins after its administration.⁷⁴

Dendrimer Conjugations

The surface modifications described thus far demonstrate successful alterations to the dendrimer structure that have improved the delivery of the cargo to GB and other cancer cell lines. However, in addition to increasing biodistribution, another crucial aspect to cancer treatment involves specific targeting of cancer cells to reduce cytotoxic effects to non-cancers. While Jiang and colleagues (2016) bring to light another frequently used surface modification to the dendrimer (ie, PEG), they also conjugated a peptide to help facilitate increased specificity for cancer cells.⁷⁵ Specifically, glioma-homing peptide (Pep-1) was conjugated to the PEGylated G5 PAMAM dendrimer for a glioma-targeted delivery system (Pep-PEG-PAMAM).⁷⁵ The PEG surface modification in the PAMAM dendrimer prolonged in vivo circulation time and significantly lowered cytotoxicity due to the low reticuloendothelial system recognition. IL-13 plays a role in regulating immune response and the microenvironment. It has an α-2 subunit that is overexpressed in glioma cell lines and primary GB cell culture, making it a viable target for glioma therapy. Pep-1, a linear peptide with nine amino acid residues, is a ligand of IL-13 receptor α −2 that allows for improved glioma targeting. Jiang and colleagues (2016) utilized both Mal-PEG-PAMAM-FITC (control) and Pep-PEG-PAMAM-FITC on U87MG cells and found stronger fluorescent intensity of PAMAM constructs with Pep-1 conjugation compared to those without, suggesting improved targeting of GB cells.⁷⁵ In vivo fluorescence imaging was also performed to evaluate the targeting ability of Pep-PEG-PAMAM-FITC/Cy5.5 (cyanine 5.5) on intracranial U87MG tumor-bearing mice. This dendrimer accumulated significantly more at the tumor site as time progressed from 4 to 24 hrs when compared to Mal-PEG-PAMAM-FITC. Finally, fluorescence microscopy showed Pep-PEG-PAMAM distributed well throughout the glioma whereas the Mal-PEG-PAMAM was minimally distributed. Moreover, there was a greater concentration of Pep-PEG-PAMAM endocytosed by U87MG cells which was confirmed by in vivo fluorescence imaging of U87MG tumor-bearing mice, suggesting successful homing of Pep-1 to GB cells.⁷⁵

Similar to Jiang et al (2016) use of the Pep-1 tumor-targeting peptide, Zhao and colleagues (2015) also developed a tumor-homing peptide conjugate, CREKA, for improving GB penetration and selectivity.^75,76 This linear pentapeptide is typically used for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. They also utilized the PEGylated surface modification for efficient dendrimer delivery of CREKA. Specifically, CREKA was conjugated to PEGylated G5 PAMAM dendrimers for targeting fibrin in glioblastoma.⁷⁶ In vitro fibrin clot binding with CREKA-PEG-PAMAM was first assessed with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) clots and imaged with an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). The fibrin clots were incubated with CREKA-PEG-PAMAM-FITX and showed stronger fluorescence intensity than fibrin clots incubated without CREKA, suggesting enhanced fibrin binding capacity of these dendrimers with CREKA conjugation. Imaging using in vivo imaging system of GB-bearing mice given PBS, CREKA-PEG-PAMAM-FITX, or Mal-PEG-PAMAM-FITC (control) showed that the CREKA glioma-targeted group had higher fluorescence intensity at the glioma site than that of the control group at 12 and 24 hrs, indicating more efficient internalization of these dendrimers. Penetration of glioma with CREKA-PEG-PAMAM-FITC in GB was then examined with fluorescence microscopy. The Mal-PEG distributed sparsely at the edge of the tumor and deep within while CREKA-PEG distributed extensively and reached the deeper sections of the tumor.⁷⁶ Their experiments suggest that while the PEG modification can penetrate deep into tumor tissue there is little retention whereas with the additional CREKA conjugation, there is significant improvement in nano-molecule retention in tumor tissue.⁷⁶

Another example of such specific tumor-targeting dendrimer construct is that by Wu and colleagues (2018).⁷⁷ However, here the intention is not only for tumor-targeting but for suppression of specific tumor protein targets using the dendrimer conjugate as well. Specifically, they conjugated a MET-targeting peptide, cMBP, to G4 PAMAM dendrimers for targeting of U87MG cells in vitro.⁷⁷ MET is a signaling protein responsible for downstream activation of the Ras-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, and Racl-Cdc42 pathways which in turn promote cancer cell proliferation, survival, and invasion, making it not only ideal for tumor targeting but for protein-targeted therapeutic intervention as well. Targeting of MET was made possible with cMBP peptides (either 5 or 10) conjugated to the G4 PAMAM dendrimer with PEG linkers (Den-cMBP₁₀ and Den-cMBP₅). Light microscopy of the U87MG cells incubated with Den-cMBP₁₀ for 24 hrs showed cell death with shrinkage and plate detachment in nearly all tumor cells. Increasing concentrations of the Den-cMBP₁₀ were also linked to increased cytotoxicity in U87MG cells but not in normal rat astrocytes. Immunoblot assays further demonstrated significant reduction in phosphorylated MET, AKT, and ERK1/2 in U87MG cells treated with Den-cMBP_10, whereas normal rat astrocytes demonstrated no significant changes.⁷⁷ These results demonstrated the successful targeting and inhibition of the U87MG cell over-activation of the MET signaling pathway, which could translate in future research to decrease cancer cell proliferation.⁷⁷

In addition to these findings, in vivo results further showed similar promising findings. MR images collected at 7, 15, and 21 days after intravenous administration of Den-cMBP₁₀ in mice that were xenografted with U87MG cells resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volume by 76. 7–86.6% compared to controls. Moreover, median mouse survival with tumor xenograft was 22 days, while mice treated with Den-cMBP₁₀ was 35 days, indicating an increase in survival by 59%. As with the in vitro studies, pMET levels in the xenografted mice after intravenous administration of Den-cMBP₁₀ was reduced by 62.3% compared to control. Likewise, expression levels of pAKT and pERK1/2 were also significantly reduced. Clearly, targeting of specific intracellular proteins responsible for the growth and progression of cancer cells provides an excellent avenue for investigators to explore viable therapeutic inhibitors. Furthermore, as demonstrated in this investigation and many others, these unique protein targets are also quite often markedly elevated in expression beyond what is normal in non-cancerous cells, making them excellent targets for dendrimers to deliver the appropriate intervention.⁷⁷

Like Wu and colleagues (2018), Uram and colleagues (2018, 2019) investigated two upregulated tumor protein targets for developing an appropriate inhibitor and cancer cell-targeting dendrimer.^77–79 Specifically, various cancer cell lines, including GB, are known to overexpress cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ɣ (PPARɣ) proteins.⁷⁸ COX-2 has been shown to promote proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells, resist apoptosis, and stimulate angiogenesis. Conversely, PPARɣ has been shown in in vitro studies to promote growth inhibition, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and re-differentiation of a malignant cell line.^80–82 As a result, both substrates provide an opportunity for cancer cell targeting and inhibition of growth and development by way of inhibition of COX-2 and activation of PPARɣ. Uram and colleagues (2018) achieved this by utilizing the COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and PPARɣ agonist, Fmoc-_L-Leucine, to conjugate with biotinylated G3 PAMAM dendrimers (G3-BCL).^78,79 In their initial experiments, variable quantities of celecoxib were used per dendrimer construct for administration to glioblastoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. The highest cytotoxicity in U118MG cancer cells was determined to be with a 1:1 combination of Fmoc-_L-Leucine and celecoxib-conjugated dendrimer when compared to individual (ie, Fmoc-_L-Leucine or celecoxib alone) drug-conjugated dendrimers.⁷⁸ In follow-up investigations, a significant decrease in U-118MG cell viability, proliferation, and mobility was found with in vitro administration of lower doses (ie, 1–2 μM) of G3-BCL for a 24–72 hrs therapy compared to celecoxib administration alone. The dendrimer complex was also found to localize primarily in the lysosome and mitochondria of both control and glioma cell lines with subsequent increased caspase 3/7 activity which peaked at 2 μM of G3-BCL administration, indicating apoptosis.⁷⁹ These results are notable with respect to a novel targeting substrate in the treatment of glioblastoma and highlight the utility of dendrimers with multiple conjugated therapeutic agents. Looking ahead, in vivo investigations into the utility of such constructs would further potentiate the promising outlook of such constructs.⁷⁸

Tumor Penetration

The presence and development of some brain tumors can disrupt the function of the BBB. While in lower-grade gliomas the BBB remains intact and functional, in higher grade gliomas (eg, glioblastoma) there is a major disruption in the vascular function.⁸³ As a tumor grows, it continues to develop greater metabolic demands. This triggers an increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) resulting in rapid angiogenesis and thereby leading to abnormal and dysfunctional vasculature within the blood-brain tumor barrier (BBTB).⁸⁴ While we know disruption occurs, if the level of BBB breakdown is not homogeneous, many glioblastoma patients can still be seen with an intact BBB.⁸⁵ However, it has been shown that chemotherapeutic agents which normally were unable to cross an intact BBB, have been able to reach central areas of the tumor through a disrupted BBTB.⁸⁶ This suggests that it may be possible to take advantage of such a weakened and more permeable BBTB to deliver larger drugs in greater therapeutic amounts.

However, tumor penetration is yet another challenge ahead of therapeutic intervention. While dendrimers can be constructed in ways that allow for increased specificity of cancer cell targeting, penetration of individual cells can be difficult when attempting to deliver larger therapeutic agents. For this reason, Liu and colleagues (2018) developed an acryl G4 PAMAM-NH₂ dendrimer conjugated to the cell-penetrating peptide, trans-activating transcriptional (TAT) activator peptide, along with PEG for delivery of the cytotoxic peptide (KLAKLAK)₂ (KLAK).⁸⁷ This conjugated dendrimer, denoted as PKT-S-PEG, was built according to a KLAK:TAT:PEG molar ratio of 50:10:40. KLAK is a peptide that specifically destroys the mitochondrial membrane of cells to elicit the apoptotic cascade for cell destruction. However, it has a large molecular weight with hydrophilic properties which necessitates modifications of the dendrimer construct for appropriate tumor cell delivery. Moreover, the PEG conjugate prevents enzyme degradation of KLAK in the blood to later allow for degradation by MMP-2 secretion from U87MG cells. This would subsequently expose TAT to permit enhanced dendrimer penetration of the cancer cells. As such, application of PKT-S-PEG was found to be significantly more cytotoxic to U87MG cells (cell viability of 40–60%) compared to control MCF-7 cells (>85%). PKT-S-PEG efficiently penetrated U87MG cells within 2 hrs of incubation, localized to either the cellular lysosomes or membranes. Incubation of U87MG cells with PKT-S-PEG also resulted in significant destruction of the cellular mitochondria. Finally, depth of tumor penetration with TAT was investigated using multicellular spheroids of the U87MG cells. PKT-S-PEG dendrimers penetrated to a depth of 70–80 μm within the tumor with high fluorescence intensity in the tumor interior whereas control dendrimers penetrated down to 30 μm, only, after an 8 hr incubation.⁸⁷ The investigation by Liu and colleagues (2018) has demonstrated the importance of enhancing tumor penetration as large tumors can be difficult to eradicate effectively without appropriate depth of therapeutic intervention.⁸⁷

Other Therapeutics

The use of RNA interference (RNAi) constructs and drugs packaged within dendrimers is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of GB. While siRNAs are commonplace for various gene editing and cancer therapeutics, microRNAs (miRNAs) offer yet another avenue to explore the wide breadth of dendrimer-delivery technology. Yang and colleagues (2014) developed G4 dendrimers modified with gadolinium-functionalized nanographene oxide (Gd-NGO) for delivery of Let-7g miRNA or epirubicin (EPI) to cancer cells (Gd-NGO-Let-7g/EPI).⁸⁸ Nine members of the Let-7 miRNA family have been detected in human tissue. These miRNAs function as tumor suppressors by decreasing expression of the Ras oncogene family. Downregulation of Let-7 has been observed in cancers such as lung, colon, and melanoma. While overexpression of Let-7 has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation. Nanoscale graphene oxide (NGO) is a nanomaterial that is capable of delivering oligonucleotides into cells and protecting them from enzymatic cleavage. Moreover, PEG-functionalized NGO can be loaded with drugs such as doxorubicin and epirubicin. After loading efficiency of Let-7g and EPI onto Gd-NGO was confirmed, release study for Let-7g and EPI found that 15% of EPI was rapidly released from Gd-NGO in the first 18 hrs of incubation at a pH of 7.4; this increased to 41% in 24 hrs and 57% after another 60 hrs of incubation. Meanwhile, a 13% release of Let-7g from Gd-NGO was found at physiological pH with a 10 hr delayed release, suggesting that Let-7g would not be released from Gd-NGO too early before reaching the targeted cell. Gd-NGO delivery of pDNA and Let-7g into U87MG cells in vitro was confirmed with fluorescence microscopy after 48 hrs and a significant reduction in Ras expression with Gd-NGO/Let-7g and Gd-NGO/EPI was observed. Finally, because Gd-NGO can be used as a contrast agent for MRI to quantify concentration of EPI and Let-7g in the brain, tail vein injections of Gd-NGO/Let-7g confirmed successful transfection of Let-7g into tumor cells 12 hrs after injection.⁸⁸

The unique physical and chemical properties of PAMAM dendrimers allow for many other biochemical compounds, such as cytokines, to be packaged and delivered to target cells as well. For instance, Bai and colleagues (2013) utilized G4 PAMAM dendrimers for delivery of IFN-β and similar to Bae and colleagues (2017), they too used an amino acid surface modification.^71,89 Specifically, they formulated PAMAM dendrimers surface-modified with arginine residues (PAMAM-R) for delivery of PAMAM-R pORF-IFNβ to mice transfected with U87MG cells. IFN-β is an immune gene which exerts anti-tumor activity via induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. Bai and colleagues (2013) found PAMAM-R pORF-IFN-β inhibited growth of Neuro2A and U87MG cancer cells by 46% and 27%, respectively, compared to control (PAMAM-R pORF).⁸⁹ Next, after xenografting mice with U87MG, the tumor size after 21 days in controls was between 358.1 and 373.1 mm³ compared to 27.6 mm³ in PAMAM-R pORF-IFN-β-treated mice, demonstrating significant tumor size reduction.⁸⁹

While surface modifications can enhance dendrimer delivery and tumor specificity, not all investigators utilized or developed a dendrimer modification for successful therapeutic application. In fact, Lesniak and colleagues (2016) utilized a G5 dendrimer for delivery of salicylic acid (G5-SA) without any surface modifications.⁹⁰ However, their primary goal was to investigate the utility of a novel in vivo imaging tool and these dendrimer complexes were delivered to U87MG glioblastoma-bearing nude mice. They were then examined with a novel MRI contrast mechanism for imaging using a specific radiolabeling technique. Delivery and distribution of the G5-SA were based on convection-enhanced delivery (CED) which involves pressurized infusion directly into a tumor. SCID mice were inoculated with U87MG GB cells in the right caudate putamen and the dendrimers were delivered at the same site. Infusion sites were followed by their new MRI tool and results found 50% of the tumor images received contained G5-SA dendrimer conjugates.⁹⁰ As such, while no surface modifications or conjugations were used, the dendrimers were manually targeted into the specific region of which the tumor was originally placed, excluding the need for increasing dendrimer tumor cell localization.⁹⁰

Conclusion

In this review, we have outlined the historical progression of dendrimer nanomolecule development and its therapeutic application for treating glioblastoma. PAMAM dendrimers were developed in 1985 by Tomalia and since then various types of therapeutic applications have been tested with this technology. There is strong evidence of its therapeutic capabilities and promise in the treatment of GB; it presents the opportunity to load and carry various plasmids, miRNAs, metals, siRNAs, biological molecules, and drugs across the BBB. In fact, its benefits may one day become the treatment option of choice over the conventional treatment options we have today and other nanomolecular options (eg, micelles, viral, etc.). Additionally, when compared to other nanomolecule treatment strategies, dendrimers have shown improved bio-safety profiles, ease of synthesis, target specificity to cells and tissues with surface modifications, structural diversity, and capability of plasmid transfection. Moreover, biopolymer-based nanomolecules such as PAMAM dendrimers have flexibility in structure and are non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable. It is important to bear in mind the physical size limitations of possible therapeutic applications; microvascular pore size of the most commonly tested cell line, U87MG glioma cells, are between 7- and 100 nm. Moreover, it has been shown that the glycocalyx coating of the luminal surface of endothelial cells make the true physiological pore size even smaller than the anatomical pore size. This is important to keep in mind when designing nanomolecules and further supports the use of dendrimers as superior to other nanomolecules.

Glioblastoma is currently theorized to either originate from mature glial cells that undergo mutations in oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes which de-differentiate and develop into a tumor or from progenitor cells that undergo transformation during development. Histologically, malignancy is determined by excess cells, pleomorphy, nuclear atypia, uncontrolled cell division, and angiogenesis. Moreover, glioblastoma is frequently accompanied by tumor-associated macrophages. These macrophages promote tumor growth and metastasis by secreting a range of proangiogenic factors, growth factors, metalloproteinases, and suppressors of CD8 T cells; in fact, a high degree of macrophage infiltration is associated with a poor prognosis. As such, GB is an aggressive brain tumor with poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. Survival times are often less than 15 months for patients and treatment options are limited to open surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which are often found to be ineffective in treating the cancer or preventing relapse. Moreover, some glioblastomas are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and instead compound tumor aggressiveness, increasing the chances of treatment failure. Other barriers to therapy include the BBB which only permit certain small or uncharged substances across. Therefore, new therapeutic options and technologies are necessary to combat the destructive and rapid deterioration of this cancer. Dendrimers offer a clear avenue for which a highly specific targeted therapy may be applied for treatment of glioblastoma. Future development of this technological application and its promising clinical application provide significant hope for realizing an effective treatment for glioblastoma.

Future Prospects

Many of these early experiments laid the groundwork for GB treatment with dendrimer nanotechnology. The use of miRNA, siRNA, drugs, and other biomolecules described here was utilized throughout the many years of GB therapy. As more research interest was placed into therapeutic strategies, more appropriate surface, size, and core modifications to the dendrimer construct were also developed. For instance, G7 dendrimers are now largely replaced with G3, G4, or G5 dendrimers as the smaller generations allow for greater BBB permeation and cellular uptake. Dendrimer nanotechnology continues to be modified to formulate the precise construct for tumor specificity and permeability, reduced cytotoxicity, and passage across the BBB. In addition, the options for therapeutic cargo delivery are limitless.

Funding Statement

We would like to thank the Program in Neuroscience, the College of Medicine, and the John G. Kulhavi Professorship in Neuroscience at Central Michigan University and the Field Neurosciences Institute.

Abbreviations

β‐CD, β‐cyclodextrin; PEG, Poly(ethylene glycol); Gd-NGO, Gadolinium-functionalized nanographene oxide; PLGA, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); TAT, transactivator of transcription; c[RGDyK], cyclic RGD-tyrosine-lysine pentapeptide; GB, glioblastoma; TMZ, temozolomide; BBB, blood–brain barrier; PAMAM, poly(amidoamine); TEA, triethanolamine; DTX, docetaxel; pDNA, plasmid DNA; MTT, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; bis-MPA, 2,2-bis(methylol)propionic acid; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; PLL, poly-L-lysine; PEG, polyethylene glycol; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; TAT, transcriptional activator peptide; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; IFN-β, interferon-β.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting and revising the article, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.