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PERSPECTIVES groups and a globular conformation, but have an ill-defined microstructure with irregular branches. They are increasingly used in coatings, as viscosity mediators, and to prevent gas hydrate–ice crystal formation in oil pipelines (8). For such bulk applications, hyperbranched polymers are more cost-effective than dendrimers and have become the industry standard. For smaller scale applications, especially in the biomedical sector, many companies have continued to develop products based on dendrimers. With their unique and perfect molecular composition, dendrimers are more likely than other polymers to meet the strict regulatory requirements for polymerbased materials intended for use in humans. Moreover, the biocompatibility and toxicity of dendrimers can be regulated by synthesis, especially through the judicious choice of functional groups at the periphery (9). For example, Starpharma …