Preparation, Optimization, and Anti-Pulmonary Infection Activity of Casein-Based Chrysin Nanoparticles

Introduction: Chrysin has a wide range of biological activities, but its poor bioavailability greatly limits its use. Here, we attempted to prepare casein (cas)-based nanoparticles to promote the biotransfer of chrysin, which demonstrated better bioavailability and anti-infection activity compared to free chrysin. Methods: Cas-based chrysin nanoparticles were prepared and characterized, and most of the preparation process was optimized. Then, the in vitro and in vivo release characteristics were studied, and anti-pulmonary infection activity was evaluated. Results: The constructed chrysin-cas nanoparticles exhibited nearly spherical morphology with particle size and ζ potential of 225.3 nm and − 33 mV, respectively. These nanoparticles showed high encapsulation efficiency and drug-loading capacity of 79.84% ± 1.81% and 11.56% ± 0.28%, respectively. In vitro release studies highlighted a significant improvement in the release profile of the chrysin-cas nanoparticles (CCPs). In vivo experiments revealed that the relative oral bioavailability of CCPs was approximately 2.01 times higher than that of the free chrysin suspension. Further investigations indicated that CCPs effectively attenuated pulmonary infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii by mitigating oxidative stress and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and the efficacy was better than that of the free chrysin suspension. Conclusion: The findings underscore the advantageous bioavailability of CCPs and their protective effects against pulmonary infections. Such advancements position CCPs as a promising pharmaceutical agent and candidate for future therapeutic drug innovations. Keywords: chrysin, nanoparticles, Acinetobacter baumannii , casein