Cytotoxicity Study of Sustainable Biopolymer-Based MCT Microcapsules in Caco-2 and HT-29 Cell Lines

Leong, Kar Weng (2025) Cytotoxicity Study of Sustainable Biopolymer-Based MCT Microcapsules in Caco-2 and HT-29 Cell Lines. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are widely recognized as a readily available source of energy and are frequently incorporated into weight management programs and ketogenic diet supplementation. The application of microencapsulation technology offers the potential to enhance the distribution, shelf life, and efficacy of MCT supplements. In this project, five types of MCT microcapsules consisting of five sustainable bioploymers (Modified Starch (MS), Arabic Gum (AG), Pea Protein Isolate (PPI), Isolated Soy Protein (ISP) and Sodium Caseinate (SC)) were evaluated for their potential cytotoxic effects in human colon epithelial cells. Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines were cultured and exposed to MCT microcapsules at varying concentrations (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) over two time intervals (6 and 24 hours). Cell viability was assessed using MTT and alamarBlue assays. Zinc Sulphate was used as a positive control for cytotoxicity at different concentrations (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/mL) to validate assay performance. The results demonstrated that none of the tested MCT microcapsules adversely affected the viability of Caco-2 or HT-29 cells following either exposure period. These findings suggest that the evaluated MCT microcapsules are biocompatible and potentially safe for human ingestion. Keywords: MCT; Microcapsule wall materials; Caco-2; HT-29; Cytotoxicity