This book covers the structure, synthesis, characterization, and applications of dendrimers in drug delivery and other biomedical areas. This book aims to address challenges in modern drug delivery, including poor solubility and stability of drugs, lack of site-specific delivery, toxicity of conventional carriers, inefficient gene therapy delivery systems, and limited integration of therapy and diagnostics (theranostics). By exploring dendrimers as next generation nanocarriers, this book addresses how these unique macromolecules can offer precise, efficient, and safe solutions for complex therapeutic challenges in the pharmaceutical sciences. This book is intended for graduate students or researchers and professionals working on biomaterial research in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.

Dr. Hitendra S. Mahajan (M.Pharm., Ph.D.) is a distinguished pharmaceutical scientist and academician with more than 25 years of teaching, research, and academic leadership experience in the field of pharmaceutics and drug delivery systems. He currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutics at R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Autonomous Institute), Shirpur, Maharashtra, India.

Dr. Mahajan obtained his Ph.D. from North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon, where his doctoral research focused on the formulation and evaluation of nasal mucoadhesive drug delivery systems, an area that has significantly influenced his subsequent research contributions. His work broadly focuses on novel drug delivery systems, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, nasal and nose-to-brain delivery, nanoemulsions, polymeric micelles, microneedles, and targeted drug delivery approaches. 

Over the years, Dr. Mahajan has successfully secured research funding exceeding INR 3.7 crores from national funding agencies and industry, including AICTE, UGC, BIRAC, DST-SERB, ICMR, RGSTC, and industrial collaborators. His research projects include innovative work on nanoformulations, microneedle-based delivery systems, diagnostics for neonatal brain injury, and advanced targeted drug delivery technologies. 

Dr. Mahajan has made significant scholarly contributions to pharmaceutical sciences with more than 125 research publications, including over 50 articles in high-impact international journals, along with several book chapters and books in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical sciences. His publications have earned over 4000 citations, reflecting the global impact of his research. 

In recognition of his scientific contributions, Dr. Mahajan has received numerous prestigious awards, including the M M Sharma Award-2022, Prof A.N Mishra Award and recognition in the Stanford University–Elsevier Top 2% Most Influential Scientists List (2024 and 2025). He has also been honoured with research excellence awards from universities and professional organizations. 

Apart from research, Dr. Mahajan plays an active role in academic governance and innovation initiatives. He serves as Chairperson of the Board of Studies in Pharmaceutics at Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University, and has contributed extensively to curriculum development, innovation ecosystems, and institutional rankings such as NIRF and ARIIA. 

Dr. Mahajan is also actively involved in mentoring young researchers, having guided more than 90 postgraduate students and several Ph.D. scholars in advanced pharmaceutical research. His commitment to education, research innovation, and societal impact continues to inspire students, researchers, and academicians in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.