Self-immolative dendrimers: A distinctive approach to molecular amplification

About six years ago, almost simultaneously, three independent groups reported the synthesis of a novel class of dendritic molecules. These molecules were equipped with a focal trigger; reaction at the trigger initiated the fragmentation of the dendrimer to its building blocks in a domino-like manner with consequent release of at least two tail-units. We termed these molecules “self-immolative dendrimers” and demonstrated their distinctive ability to achieve molecular amplification of the initial triggering signal. The unique amplification effect obtained by self-immolative dendrimers is useful in the fields of drug delivery systems and diagnostic applications. This highlight summarizes the design, function, and applications of this unique class of molecules.