Deliver Anti-inflammatory Drug Baicalein to Macrophages by Using a Crystallization Strategy

Abstract

Macrophages are potent to modulate inflammation via phenotypic switch and production of inflammatory factors. Baicalein (BCL) is frequently used to alleviate inflammation; however, its application is always hindered due to low solubility. Herein, BCL nanocrystals (BNRs) were prepared to improve its delivery to macrophages. The prepared BNRs have a diameter of 150 nm with a rod-like structure. The nanocrystals could be well-taken up by macrophages via the caveolar pathway and, therefore, promote the polarization switch from proinflammatory phenotype to anti-inflammatory macrophages and alleviate the inflammation via reducing production cytokine IL-12. In conclusion, the crystallization strategy is promising for the improvement of the solubility of BCL and promotion of its anti-inflammatory activities.