Optimization of Microencapsulated Eggplant Biomass Extracts: Bioaccessibility, Permeability, and Antiproliferative Activity

Eggplant is a crop of significant global importance. However, strict selection criteria generate large amounts of biomass that contain hydrophilic bioactive compounds. These compounds are associated with the prevention and treatment of diseases such as cancer. This research aimed to explore the valorization of eggplant biomass through microencapsulation of hydrophilic extracts to enhance stability and evaluate the biological potential. Additionally, the study assessed the effects of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and permeability. Optimization of the microencapsulation process determined ideal parameters: inlet temperature (175 °C), pressure (0.15 MPa), and extract amount (1.15 g), which maximized response variables: %EE (67.06), %Y (66.09), and %RPC (88.84). After in vitro gastrointestinal simulation, the microparticles showed increased TRC (29.32%) and TEAC (112%) values. The UPLC-MS-TQ chromatographic profile of both the free extract and the microencapsulate before and after digestion confirmed the presence of phenolic acids, including chlorogenic, quinic, caffeic, and ferulic. In the in vitro permeability test, only quinic acid was found on the basolateral side. Finally, viability assays on FHC cells showed that DM was not cytotoxic; meanwhile, an antiproliferative effect was observed in HCT 116 cells, with IC50 values in DE and DM (2.47 and 8.79 mg/mL) after 48 h.