Lee I., Athey B.D., Wetzel A.W., Baker Jr. J.R.
University of Michigan, US
Keywords: dendrimer, fluorescein, folic acid, molecular dynamics simulation
Molecular dynamics simulations on PAMAM dendrimers were performed to design and optimize the condition for cancer cell targeting and imaging. Folic acid and fluorescein-conjugated dendrimers with a primary amine surface group (without capping) and with a carboxyl group showed local branch aggregation, implying less solubility in water. Simulations indicated that folic acid conjugates on the acetamide surface tend to extend out, while most folic acids on the hydroxyl surface are buried in the dendrimer, predicting less potential interaction with folate receptors on the surface of cells. These results strongly suggest that the acetamide capping group for folic acid and fluorescein-conjugated dendrimers optimal for targeting, a finding supported by cellular targeting experiments using flow cytometry and 3-D confocal microscopy. Our computer simulation results have informed nanomolecular synthesis, and have led to structures which exhibit desired biologic activity.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2001 International Conference on Computational Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
Published: March 19, 2001
Pages: 13 - 16
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Informatics, Modeling & Simulation
ISBN: 0-9708275-3-9