Specific properties of several series of dendrimers have been systematically investigated as a function of the generation number. The encapsulation of a redox-active unit, namely a bis(phenanthroline) copper(I) complex, has been evidenced by the attenuation of the electron transfer rate with increasing molecular size. On the other hand, photophysical studies of dendrimers with a fullerene core have shown that the shielding effect of the dendritic shell has a dramatic effect on the lifetime of the first triplet excited state of the core unit. Actually, the fullerene is a very sensitive probe and lifetime measurements in different solvents can be used to evaluate the degree of isolation of the central C₆₀ moiety from external contacts. Finally, the inclusion abilities of dendrophanes with a cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) core for fullerenes have shown that the dendritic architecture is not only able to isolate a central functional core but can also modulate its binding properties by means of the size and the nature of the surrounding dendrons. To cite this article: J.-F. Nierengarten, C.R. Chimie 6 (2003).