Continued synthesis of surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers for use as a drug delivery system

CHED 308

Craig D. Girten, girtenc1@nku.edu, Jody R. Helton, Heather A. Bullen, bullenh1@nku.edu, and Keith A. Walters, walterske@nku.edu. Department of Chemistry, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY 41099
The goal of the cross-department dendrimer project at Northern Kentucky University is to synthesize dendrimers capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for drug delivery. This aspect of the research has focused on dual-functionalizing fourth- and fifth-generation poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimers with moieties of interest (e.g., N-acetylethanolamine and anandamide) and the dansyl chloride fluorophore. Previous to dendrimer functionalization, coupling reactions are tested on small-molecule models. This research will ultimately allow for visual tracking of the drugged dendrimers as they cross the BBB in future in vitro and in vivo studies.
 

Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Nanotechnology
11:00 AM-1:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008