Enhancing Medium-Chain Fatty Acid Delivery Through Bigel Technology

Area of Science:

• Food Science and Technology
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nutraceutical Development

Background:

• Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) possess numerous health benefits but often suffer from poor stability and bioavailability.
• Developing effective delivery systems is crucial for maximizing the therapeutic potential of MCFAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA)-loaded bigels using coconut oil as the MCFA source.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, stability, and in vitro performance of these bigels for nutraceutical applications.

Main Methods:

• MCFA-loaded bigels were prepared using coconut oil.
• Physicochemical characterization involved FTIR, SEM, thermal stability tests, and rheological measurements.
• In vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, cytotoxicity assays, and Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell permeability studies were conducted.

Main Results:

• Bigels demonstrated high oil binding capacity (87-98%) and retained significant amounts of lauric acid (178.32 ± 0.10 mg/g).
• FTIR and SEM confirmed stable fatty acid incorporation and a cohesive structure; bigels were stable at 50 °C for 5 days.
• Rheological tests indicated solid-like behavior (G' > G″), and simulated digestion showed significantly higher MCFA retention (38.1% vs 1.7%) compared to pure oil, suggesting enhanced bioavailability. Low cytotoxicity and controlled release (approx. 10% over 6h) were observed.

Conclusions:

• MCFA-loaded bigels represent a stable and safe delivery platform for enhancing fatty acid bioavailability.
• The controlled release profile and improved stability position these bigels as a promising ingredient for functional foods and nutraceuticals.