Formation of bovine serum albumin-galangin nanoparticles and their potential to inhibit ROS-induced inflammation: Enthanol desolvation vs. pH-shiftng method.

pH-shifting method, as an eco-friendly approach, is a promising alternative to desolvation method, yet systematic comparison of their property is still lacking. In this study, bovine serum albumin-galangin nanoparticles (BSA-GA NPs) were designed for alleviating ROS-mediated macrophage inflammation by the 2 separate methods. Compared with the desolvation method, BSA exhibited a higher loading capacity for GA under the pH-shifting method, which was attributed to the exposure of the binding site leading to enhanced affinity for GA and a more compact particle structure. Further analyses evidenced that the electron arrangement and crystal structure of GA changed with different methods. The content of random coil of BSA was elevated after pH-shifting method. Besides, the smaller size rendered the pH-shifting treated BSA-GA NPs easier to be taken up by macrophages, while the enhanced specific surface area conferred excellent ROS scavenging and anti-inflammatory performances. This study may provide new insights into the choice of loading methods.