Compatibility of Caco-2 cells with Simulated Intestinal Fluid-Predicting Permeability

The Caco-2 cell model is considered the gold standard when analysing drug permeability and risk-assessing bioavailability. The use of Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF) as a tool in the Caco-2 models is beneficial as this generates a more physiologically relevant model. Existing work using biorelevant media in Caco-2 cells has not fully captured the large-scale variability that can exist within the GI fluids. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the composition of biorelevant fluids can disrupt the Caco-2 monolayer, particularly when high levels of bile and cholesterol are present in these media. Therefore, understanding the compatibility of the simulated intestinal media with the Caco-2 cells is essential to determine its use as transport media in a Caco-2 assay.