Potential of microalgal lipids to prevent intestinal barrier disruption: A case study exploring the response of Caco-2 cells to the food contaminant deoxynivalenol

Microalgae are considered a sustainable source of essential lipids, including health-promoting polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); however, their role in supporting intestinal health is still poorly understood. This study evaluated the effects of lipid extracts from Microchloropsis gaditana and Tisochrysis lutea on Caco-2 intestinal cell monolayers and their ability to mitigate damage caused by the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The two species showed distinct fatty acid profiles, rich in different PUFAs. T. lutea lipids impaired barrier integrity, reducing transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and increasing paracellular permeability. In contrast, M. gaditana lipids enhanced TEER, upregulated tight junction (TJ) proteins claudin-4 and ZO-1, improved TJ co-localization, and reversed DON-induced barrier disruption. These findings suggest M. gaditana lipids may support intestinal barrier function and protect against dietary toxins. Future investigations to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved and validate these effects in vivo will help fully harness the potential of M. gaditana lipids for intestinal health. • Microalgal lipids showed markedly different effects on Caco-2 monolayer integrity. • T. lutea lipids compromised barrier function, while M. gaditana lipids enhanced it. • M. gaditana lipids counteracted the barrier-disrupting effects of deoxynivalenol. • M. gaditana lipids have a potential protective role against dietary xenobiotics.