Dendrimers A dendrimer is a highly branched macromolecule with a spherical shape. The surface of the particle may
be functionalised in many ways and many of the properties of the resulting construct are determined by its
surface. In particular it is possible to construct a cationic dendrimer, i.e. one with a positive surface charge.
When in the presence of genetic material such as DNA or RNA, charge complimentarity leads to a temporary
association of the nucleic acid with the cationic dendrimer. On reaching its destination the dendrimer–nucleic
acid complex is then taken into the cell via endocytosis.