The author is deeply grateful for the technical efforts of Yongpei Chang and Mary Bodis. The extremely successful application of this model in the field of nutrition is a direct result of their expertise and attention to detail. The development of this model was funded entirely by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.

NOTE: As a convenient point of reference for readers, the following methodology describes the specific culture conditions and materials required for the measurement of Fe bioavailability from 20 experimental samples, plus the required quality controls, in a run of the bioassay. Increasing the number of samples beyond this capacity is not recommended due to the time required for various cell culture and in vitro digestion steps within the bioassay.
1. Choosing the amount of samples
<ol>
	<li>For solid or liquid foods, determine an amount of food that can be considered representative of the sample to be tested.
	<ol>
		<li>In testing for Fe bioavailability from a bean variety, use 100-150 g of bean seed and process this amount to a homogeneous sample.</li>
		<li>For liquid samples such as fortified juices, milk products, and sports beverages, ensure that the food is well mixed prior to sampling. 
		&#8203;NOTE: The amount of bean seed material mentioned above is essential to account for the inherent differences between seeds of this staple crop.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Preparation of samples
<ol>
	<li>Rinse off soil and dust from any food sample with distilled-deionized water before processing.</li>
	<li>Process the appropriate amount of sample as per the experimental objectives, such as by cooking method and milling. 
	NOTE: For cooking and processing, it is critical to use cookware and equipment that is not a potential source of contaminant Fe. Stainless steel equipment does not contaminate; however, equipment such as stone mill grinders, cast iron cookware, and any non-stainless steel equipment containing Fe can add significant amounts of contaminant Fe. A standard stainless steel coffee grinder is often adequate for grinding.</li>
	<li>Lyophilize and grind to a homogeneous powder. 
	NOTE: Once homogenized, research has shown that three independent replications of analysis are adequate for each food being measured.
	<ol>
		<li>If sample homogeneity is difficult to achieve, revise the formulation or processing of the product. If this is not possible, add replications if the non-homogeneity is not severe.</li>
		<li>For most homogeneous solid foods, use 0.5 g of lyophilized sample per replicate. If necessary, use up to 1.0 g of sample per replicate, but check if more than 0.5 g yields a benefit in the degree of response. 
		NOTE: Amounts higher than 0.5 g of solid foods may clog the dialysis membrane (see below).</li>
		<li>Use 1-2 mL of liquid samples. 
		&#8203;NOTE: Lyophilization is often not necessary for liquid samples.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Caco-2 cell culture
<ol>
	<li>Stock cultures
	<ol>
		<li>Acquire Caco-2 cells from a certified supplier.</li>
		<li>Culture the cells from stock vials at 37 &#176;C in an incubator with a 5% CO2 air atmosphere (constant humidity) using Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle&#39;s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 25 mM HEPES (pH 7.2), 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (FBS), and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution.</li>
		<li>Once sufficient cells are available, usually after 7-10 days of culture, seed the cells in non-collagen-coated flasks at a density of 30,000 cells/cm2.</li>
		<li>Choose the flask size depending on the number of cells available and needed for seeding multiwell plates. 
		NOTE: In general, the T225 (225 cm2) flasks work best for experiments where 11 multiwell (6-well; 9.66 cm2/well) plates are used (10 plates for sample comparisons, 1 plate for quality controls) per bioassay.</li>
		<li>Grow cells in flasks for 7 days, changing the medium every other day, and use on the 7th day for seeding the multiwell plates. 
		NOTE: It is recommended to use a passage range of no more than 10-15 passages from when the cells are started from stock culture and subsequently used in a series of experiments. Cell culture passages should be limited as a broad range of passages can result in adaptive changes in the cell line and, thus, variability in the response of the model.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Cell culture on multiwell plates
	<ol>
		<li>Seed the Caco-2 cells at a density of 50,000 cells/cm2 in 6-well collagen-coated plates. 
		NOTE: This step usually works best if done on a Wednesday. The following steps will make it evident why this day of the week is optimal.</li>
		<li>Grow the cells for 12 days at 37 &#176;C in an incubator with a 5% CO2 air atmosphere (constant humidity) using DMEM supplemented with 25 mM HEPES (pH 7.2), 10% (v/v) FBS, and 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution. 
		NOTE: Culturing the cell monolayers longer than 12 days can result in cell overgrowth. Previous research has clearly shown that, under these conditions, at 12 days post seeding, the cell monolayer is mature, attached well to the plate, and optimal in the consistency of response29,30,31. Growing the cells longer, such as up to 19-21 days, results in cell overgrowth, and the media rapidly depletes in nutrients, resulting in unhealthy monolayers.</li>
		<li>During the 12 day period, change the medium at least every 2 days on a consistent daily schedule.</li>
		<li>On the 12th day post seeding, replace the culture medium with 2 mL of Minimum Essential Medium (MEM [pH 7]) supplemented with 10 mM PIPES (piperazine-N,N&#39;-bis-[2-ethanesulfonic acid]), 1% antibiotic-antimycotic solution, hydrocortisone (4 mg/L), insulin (5 mg/L), selenium (5 &#956;g/L), triiodothyronine (34 &#956;g/L), and epidermal growth factor (20 &#956;g/L). 
		NOTE: If seeding was started on a Wednesday, then the 12th day would be a Monday.</li>
		<li>On the following day (i.e., day 13), remove the MEM and replace it with 1 mL of MEM (pH 7). 
		NOTE: This step would occur on a Tuesday. This is the day when the bioassay begins; thus, the 13 day schedule yields the advantage of a consistent weekly schedule, allowing the bioassay to be conducted consistently on the same weekday.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
4. In vitro digestion
<ol>
	<li>Preparation of insert rings
	<ol>
		<li>Create a sterilized insert ring using a silicone O-ring fitted with an acid-washed dialysis membrane (Figure 1A). 
		NOTE: Prepare inserts 1 day in advance (i.e., Monday, day 12) of the day of the bioassay and store in 18 M&#937; water at 4 &#176;C until ready to use.</li>
		<li>On the day of the bioassay (Tuesday, day 13), remove the inserts from the refrigerator, drain, and replace the water with 0.5 M HCl. Leave it at room temperature in a laminar flow hood for at least 1 h prior to use. 
		NOTE: This step should be done prior to removing the MEM from the culture plates. Acid washing of the membrane serves to remove possible contaminating Fe and sterilizes the insert ring and membrane.</li>
		<li>Drain the 0.5 M HCl from the inserts and rinse with sterile 18 M&#937; water. Store in sterile 18 M&#937; water at room temperature in a laminar flow hood until ready to use.</li>
		<li>Insert a ring into each well of the 6-well plates with Caco-2 cells, thereby creating a two-chamber system. Return the plates with the inserts to the incubator. 
		NOTE: This step should be done just after fresh 1.0 mL of MEM is added to each well (see Step 3.2.5.).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Preparation of pepsin solution
	<ol>
		<li>On the day of the experiment, prepare the pepsin solution by dissolving 0.145 g of pepsin in 50 mL of 0.1 M HCl. Shake the solution gently on a platform shaker for 30 min at room temperature.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Preparation of pancreatin-bile solution
	<ol>
		<li>On the same day as the experiment, prepare 0.1 M NaHCO3 by dissolving 2.1 g of NaHCO3 in 250 mL of 18 M&#937; water.</li>
		<li>Mix 0.35 g of pancreatin and 2.1 g of bile extract in 175 mL of 0.1 M NaHCO3.</li>
		<li>Once the pancreatin and bile extract are solubilized, add 87.5 g of a weak cation exchange resin (see the Table of Materials) and mix by shaking for 30 min at room temperature.</li>
		<li>Pour the slurry into a large column and collect the eluate.</li>
		<li>Elute the column with an additional 70 mL of 0.1 M NaHCO3, collecting this volume into the pancreatin bile solution. 
		NOTE: The purpose of the resin is to remove contaminant Fe commonly found in the pancreatin-bile extracts.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Initiate in vitro digestion.
	<ol>
		<li>Weigh out the sample in a sterile 50 mL centrifuge tube (polypropylene), followed by the addition of 10 mL of physiological saline at pH 2, containing 140 mM NaCl and 5 mM KCl.</li>
		<li>Initiate the gastric digestion process by adding 0.5 mL of the prepared porcine pepsin solution to the sample and incubate on a rocking shaker at a low, gentle setting for 1 h at 37 &#176;C.</li>
		<li>Following this period, initiate the intestinal digestion process of each sample by adjusting the pH to 5.5-6.0 with 1.0 M NaHCO3.</li>
		<li>Add 2.5 mL of the pancreatin-bile solution to each sample tube and adjust the pH to 6.9-7.0 with 1.0 M NaHCO3.</li>
		<li>Once the pH is adjusted, equalize the volume in each tube using 140 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl (pH 6.7) solution, measuring the weight of the tube with a target value of 15 g. 
		NOTE: For some foods, one may need to bring the total volume to 16 g or 17 g, depending on the buffering capacity of the foods.</li>
		<li>Transfer 1.5 mL of each intestinal digest into the upper chamber (i.e., containing the insert ring with the dialysis membrane) of a corresponding well of the 6-well culture plate containing the Caco-2 cells (Figure 1B).</li>
		<li>Replace the plate cover and incubate at 37 &#176;C (5% CO2 air atmosphere) on a rocking shaker at 6 oscillations/min for 2 h.</li>
		<li>Remove the insert ring with the digest and add an additional 1 mL of MEM (pH 7) to each well.</li>
		<li>Return the cell culture plate to the incubator (37 &#176;C; 5% CO2 air atmosphere) for an additional 22 h.</li>
		<li>After 22 h, remove the cell culture medium and add 2.0 mL of 18 M&#937; water to the cell monolayer. 
		NOTE: The water will osmotically lyse the cells.</li>
		<li>Harvest the entire cell lysate into standard polypropylene microcentrifuge tubes or similar for subsequent cell protein and cell ferritin analyses.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Measurement of Caco-2 cell ferritin and cell protein
<ol>
	<li>Use the cell lysate from Step 4.4.10. for the measurement of cell ferritin and protein.
	<ol>
		<li>To measure the ferritin content of the Caco-2 cells, follow the kit&#39;s instructions (see the Table of Materials), with the exception of increasing the incubation time from 30 min to 2 h for the mouse anti-ferritin antibody-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate.</li>
		<li>To measure cell protein, follow the instructions provided in the cell protein kit (see the Table of Materials).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Chicken+thigh,+chicken+liver,+and+iron-fortified+wheat+flour+increase+iron+uptake+in+an+in+vitro+digestion/Caco-2+cell+model.">Chicken thigh, chicken liver, and iron-fortified wheat flour increase iron uptake in an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model.</a> Nutrition Research. 28 (12), 851-858 (2008).</li><li>Beasley, J. T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Metabolic+engineering+of+bread+wheat+improves+grain+iron+concentration+and+bioavailability.">Metabolic engineering of bread wheat improves grain iron concentration and bioavailability.</a> Plant Biotechnology Journal. 17 (8), 1514-1526 (2019).</li><li>Zhu, L., Glahn, R. P., Nelson, D., Miller, D. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparing+soluble+ferric+pyrophosphate+to+common+iron+salts+and+chelates+as+sources+of+bioavailable+iron+in+a+Caco-2+cell+culture+model.">Comparing soluble ferric pyrophosphate to common iron salts and chelates as sources of bioavailable iron in a Caco-2 cell culture model.</a> Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57 (11), 5014-5019 (2009).</li><li>Wortley, G., Leusner, S., Good, C., Gugger, E., Glahn, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Iron+availability+of+a+fortified+processed+wheat+cereal:+a+comparison+of+fourteen+iron+forms+using+an+in+vitro+digestion/human+colonic+adenocarcinoma+(Caco-2)+cell+model.">Iron availability of a fortified processed wheat cereal: a comparison of fourteen iron forms using an in vitro digestion/human colonic adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell model.</a> British Journal of Nutrition. 93 (1), 65-71 (2005).</li><li>Jumarie, C., Malo, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Alkaline+phosphatase+and+peptidase+activities+in+Caco-2+cells:+differential+response+to+triiodothyronine.">Alkaline phosphatase and peptidase activities in Caco-2 cells: differential response to triiodothyronine.</a> In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Animal. 30 (11), 753-760 (1994).</li><li>Engle, M. J., Goetz, G. S., Alpers, D. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Caco-2+cells+express+a+combination+of+colonocyte+and+enterocyte+phenotypes.">Caco-2 cells express a combination of colonocyte and enterocyte phenotypes.</a> Journal of Cellular Physiology. 174 (3), 362-369 (1998).</li><li>Ferruzza, S., Rossi, C., Sambuy, Y., Scarino, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Serum-reduced+and+serum-free+media+for+differentiation+of+Caco-2+cells.">Serum-reduced and serum-free media for differentiation of Caco-2 cells.</a> Alternatives to Animal Experimentation. 30 (2), 159-168 (2013).</li><li>Wiesinger, J. A., Cichy, K. A., Tako, E., Glahn, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+fast+cooking+and+enhanced+iron+bioavailability+properties+of+the+Manteca+yellow+bean+(Phaseolus+vulgaris+L).">The fast cooking and enhanced iron bioavailability properties of the Manteca yellow bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L).</a> Nutrients. 10 (11), 1609 (2018).</li><li>Wiesinger, J. A., Cichy, K. A., Hooper, S. D., Hart, J. J., Glahn, R. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Processing+white+or+yellow+dry+beans+(Phaseolus+vulgaris+L.)+into+a+heat+treated+flour+enhances+the+iron+bioavailability+of+bean-based+pastas.">Processing white or yellow dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) into a heat treated flour enhances the iron bioavailability of bean-based pastas.</a> Journal of Functional Foods. 71, 104018 (2020).</li></ol>

The author has no conflicts of interest.

Since its inception, numerous studies have been published that describe this method for the Caco-2 cell bioassay. The basic conditions have remained relatively unchanged since the initial publication in 199818. However, over the past 20 years, numerous technical details have been refined and standardized to yield unprecedented consistency in the response of the bioassay. Careful and precise adherence to the cell culture and in vitro digestion conditions are the key to the consistent and s...

To fully understand the research need and benefit of the Caco-2 cell bioassay for Fe bioavailability, one must first understand the approaches that were in place prior to the advent of this model. The measurement of Fe bioavailability from a food or meal in vivo is a challenging task, particularly when combinations of food need to be assessed in a meal or diet. Isotopic labeling has been the most common approach for the measurement of Fe bioavailability over the past 50 years1. Isotopic labeling is used for single-meal and multiple-meal studies and is impractical for long-term studies. Stable isotopes of Fe such as 57Fe and 58Fe are the most commonly used; however, studies have been conducted with radioisotopes such as 59Fe, utilizing whole-body counting2. For plant foods, isotopic labeling has been done via extrinsic or intrinsic labeling. For extrinsic labeling, a known amount of isotope is added to the food or meal. The food is then mixed, and a 15-30 min equilibration period is incorporated into the protocol prior to the consumption. Hydroponic culture-adding the isotope to the nutrient solution to incorporate it into the plant while it grows and develops-is required for the intrinsic labeling of plant foods. The pros and cons of each approach are discussed below.
Extrinsic isotopic labeling 
In the early to mid-1970s, human Fe absorption was studied by extrinsic labeling of Fe in foods, wherein a known amount of isotope is added to the known amount of Fe in the food or meal, mixed, and equilibrated for 15-30 min before measurements. Various amounts of extrinsic isotopes have been used, ranging from 1% to 100% of the intrinsic Fe, but most commonly in the range of 7%-30%3. Extrinsic labeling is based on the assumption that the extrinsic Fe isotope gets fully equilibrated with the intrinsic Fe of the food or meal. Extrinsic isotope absorption is then measured, and each atom of the extrinsic isotope is calculated to represent a given number of intrinsic Fe atoms. This calculation is based on the relative molar amounts. In 1983, multiple validation studies of the technique were summarized in a review paper4. Validation of the technique was done by simultaneously comparing the percent absorption of the extrinsic isotopic label to the percent absorption of an intrinsic isotopic label. Thus, a ratio of the extrinsic to intrinsic absorption close to 1 suggests that each pool of Fe was equally absorbed. At the time, a ratio close to 1 was also considered to represent equilibration of the extrinsic isotope with the intrinsic Fe of the food or meal. Ratios of extrinsic to intrinsic Fe absorption ranged from mean values of 0.40 to 1.62, with a mean (&#177;SD) ratio of 1.08 &#177; 0.14 in 63 comparisons. It is important to note that, in all of the studies summarized in this review, none directly tested the equilibration of the extrinsic label with the intrinsic Fe. In summary, the authors of the review concluded the following:
&#34;The extrinsic tag technique has proven valid for several foods under certain experimental conditions. But, this method cannot yet be considered proven with regards to all types of foods. The extrinsic tag method is not appropriate for monitoring iron absorption from a diet that contains insoluble forms of iron. The validity of this technique relies upon the basic assumption that the extrinsic tag exchanges completely with all endogenous nonheme food iron. At present it is not known how completely the different forms of nonheme iron are labeled by an extrinsic tag. This is important in light of studies which have suggested that iron inhibitors may affect the extrinsic tag differently than some forms of nonheme iron in foods. Research on food factors which can impair a complete isotopic exchange is scant. Thus, interpretation of bioavailability data from extrinsic tag research requires consideration of inhibitors of exchange which may be present in the food or diet.&#34;
Since 1983, only two studies have been published that evaluated the accuracy of extrinsic labeling of Fe3,5. In both these studies, the equilibration of an extrinsic isotopic label was directly compared with the intrinsic Fe of the foods, which, in these studies, were staple food crops. White, red, and black bean varieties were tested, along with lentils and maize. Using established in vitro digestion techniques and the measurement of Fe solubility and precipitation, both studies demonstrated that extrinsic isotopic labeling does not consistently result in full equilibration, with evidence that, for some bean varieties, the misequilibration can be very high depending on the amount of extrinsic isotope and seed coat color3. Despite the conclusions of the 1983 review paper, extrinsic labeling studies of beans continued6,7,8,9,10,11,12. None of these studies included testing the equilibration of the extrinsic label with the intrinsic Fe.
Intrinsic labeling 
Intrinsic labeling of plant food for the assessment of Fe bioavailability eliminates the accuracy issues of equilibration in extrinsic labeling. However, this approach cannot yield large amounts of material because of the requirement of greenhouse space for hydroponic culture. Hydroponic culture is labor-intensive, requires a high quantity of expensive stable isotope, and often results in plant growth different in terms of yield and seed Fe concentration. Due to the cost, intrinsic labeling is only suitable for small-scale studies aimed at understanding mechanisms underlying Fe uptake or factors influencing Fe uptake from foods. Production of 1-2 kg of a staple food crop costs approximately $20,000-$30,000 for materials alone, depending on the isotope and hydroponic approach13,14.
Given the challenges associated with isotopic labeling, investigators sought to develop in vitro approaches. Early methods utilized simulated gastric and intestinal food, coupled with the measurement of Fe solubility or Fe dialyzability as an estimate of bioavailability15. Such studies quickly found that Fe dialyzability was not a consistent measure of bioavailability as Fe can be soluble, tightly bound to compounds and, therefore, not exchangeable, leading to the overestimation of bioavailability. To address these issues, methodology to utilize a human intestinal cell line evolved, thereby adding a living component and enabling the measurement of Fe uptake16. The human intestinal cells-Caco-2 cells-originated from a human colon carcinoma and have been widely used in nutrient uptake studies. This cell line is useful as, in culture, the cells differentiate into enterocytes that function similarly to the brush border cells of the small intestine. Studies have shown that Caco-2 cells exhibit the appropriate transporters and response to factors that influence Fe uptake17,18.
The initial studies, utilizing radioisotopes to measure Fe uptake in Caco-2 cells, were refined to measure Fe uptake based on Caco-2 cell ferritin formation. Caco-2 cell ferritin measurement enhanced sample throughput and negated issues of radioisotope handling and the equilibration of extrinsic Fe with intrinsic Fe19,20. Measurement of Fe uptake via ferritin formation enabled researchers to study a broad range of foods, including complex meals21. Thus, simulated (in vitro) digestion coupled with Caco-2 cell Fe uptake provided a better physiological assessment of Fe uptake from foods. It is important to note that this model primarily determines relative differences in Fe bioavailability. Like many useful cell lines, Caco-2 cells also have shown variability in responsiveness but have maintained consistent relative differences in Fe uptake between foods. Proper technique and careful attention to detail can improve consistent cell ferritin formation response in Caco-2 cells.
The in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model is also known as Caco-2 cell bioassay. This assay has been thoroughly validated via direct comparison to human and animal studies22. In addition to the direct parallel comparison of the bioassay to human efficacy trials, this model has been shown to exhibit a qualitatively similar response in Fe uptake to that of humans18,19,23. Therefore, as an in vitro approach, the Caco-2 cell bioassay warrants high credibility as a screening tool for evaluating Fe nutrition from foods. It has been widely applied to numerous foods and food products21,24,25,26,27,28.
Since its inception in 1998, the Caco-2 cell bioassay has advanced the field of Fe nutrition as it has helped identify factors that influence intestinal Fe uptake. In so doing, this model has developed and refined research objectives for more definitive and less costly human studies. One could also argue that the use of the model negates the need for some human trials.
In summary, the relative delivery of Fe from a food or meal can be measured with the Caco-2 cell bioassay. Regardless of the amount of Fe in the test meal, the bioassay defines the relative amount of Fe taken up into the enterocyte-the first step of the absorption process. This is the most important step in defining Fe bioavailability, as most often the goal is to measure with the intent to improve or, at the very least, monitor the nutritional quality of Fe in a food. Given that iron status is regulated by absorption, and thus Fe uptake is upregulated in Fe-deficient individuals to meet nutritional needs, the standard conditions of the model are designed so that Fe uptake by the cells is maximal. In this way, the bioassay provides a true measure of the potential of the food to deliver Fe.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>0.5 M HCl</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>A508-4 Hydrochloric Acid TraceMetal Grade</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18 megaohm water</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Also known as distilled, deionized water</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3,3&#8242;,5-Triiodo-L-thyronine sodium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>T6397</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6-well plates</td>
			<td>Costar</td>
			<td>3506</td>
			<td>Use for bioassay experiments</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ascorbic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>A0278</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>bile extract</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>B8631</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Caco-2 cells</td>
			<td>American Type Culture Collection</td>
			<td>HTB-37</td>
			<td>HTB-37 is a common variety.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell culture flasks T225</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>&#160;353138</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell culture flasks T25</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>430639</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cell culture flasks T75</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>430641U</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Chelex-100</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc</td>
			<td>142832</td>
			<td>Known as the weak cation exchange resin in the protocol</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>collagen</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>354236</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>dialysis membrane</td>
			<td>Spectrum Laboratories</td>
			<td>Spectra/Por 7 Pretreated RC Dialysis Tubing 15,000 MWCO</td>
			<td>Spectra/Por 7 Pretreated RC Dialysis Tubing 15,000 MWCO</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dulbecco&#8217;s Modified Eagle&#8217;s Medium</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>12100046</td>
			<td>DMEM</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>epidermal growth factor</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>E4127-5X.1MG</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ferritin ELISA Assay Kit</td>
			<td>Eagle Biosciences</td>
			<td>FRR31-K01</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>fetal bovine serum</td>
			<td>R&#38;D Systems</td>
			<td>S12450</td>
			<td>Optima</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HEPES</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>H3375</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrocortisone-Water Soluble</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>H0396</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>insert ring</td>
			<td>Corning Costar</td>
			<td>not sold</td>
			<td>Transwell, for 6 well plate, without membrane</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>insulin</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>I2643</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KCl</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>P9333</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>large column</td>
			<td>VWR International</td>
			<td>KT420400-1530</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Minimum Essential Medium</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>41500034</td>
			<td>MEM</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NaCl</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>S271</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>pancreatin</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>P1750</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PIPES disodium salt</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>Piperazine-1,4-bis(2-ethanesulfonic acid) disodium salt P3768</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>porcine pepsin</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>P6887 or (P7012-25G Sigma</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>protein assay kit</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc</td>
			<td>Bio-Rad DC protein assay kit 500-0116</td>
			<td>Measurement of Caco-2 cell protein</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>silicone o rings</td>
			<td>Web Seal, Inc Rochester NY</td>
			<td>2-215S500</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>sodium bicarbonate</td>
			<td>Fisher Scientific</td>
			<td>S233</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium selenite</td>
			<td>Sigma Aldrich Co</td>
			<td>S5261</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ZellShield</td>
			<td>Minerva Biolabs</td>
			<td>13-0050</td>
			<td>Use at 1% as antibiotic/antimycotic ordered through Thomas Scientific</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

the caco-2 cell bioassay for measurement of food iron bioavailability

Knowledge of Fe bioavailability is critical to the assessment of the nutritional quality of Fe in foods. In vivo measurement of Fe bioavailability is limited by cost, throughput, and the caveats inherent to isotopic labeling of the food Fe. Thus, there exists a critical need for an approach that is high-throughput and cost-effective. The Caco-2 cell bioassay was developed to satisfy this need. The Caco-2 cell bioassay for Fe bioavailability utilizes simulated gastric and intestinal digestion coupled with culture of a human intestinal epithelial cell line known as Caco-2. In Caco-2 cells, Fe uptake stimulates the intracellular formation of ferritin, an Fe storage protein easily measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Ferritin forms in proportion to Fe uptake; thus, by measuring Caco-2 cell ferritin production, one can assess intestinal Fe uptake from simulated food digests into the enterocyte. 
Via this approach, the model replicates the key initial step that determines food Fe bioavailability. Since its inception in 1998, this model approach has been rigorously compared to factors known to influence human Fe bioavailability. Moreover, it has been applied in parallel studies, with three human efficacy studies evaluating Fe biofortified crops. In all cases, the bioassay correctly predicted the relative amounts of Fe bioavailability from the factors, crops, and overall diet. This paper provides detailed methods on Caco-2 cell culture coupled with the in vitro digestion process and cell ferritin ELISA necessary to conduct the Caco-2 cell bioassay for Fe bioavailability.

Identification and measurement of Fe bioavailability in staple food crops 
One of the primary reasons for developing this model was to identify factors that influence Fe bioavailability in staple food crops and provide a tool for plant breeders that would enable them to identify and develop varieties with enhanced Fe bioavailability. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) has been targeted globally as a crop for Fe biofortification; thus, the model has been applied extensively to evaluate the...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability at JoVE.com

The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability

The Caco-2 cell bioassay for iron (Fe) bioavailability represents a cost-effective and versatile approach to assess Fe bioavailability from foods, food products, supplements, meals, and even diet regimens. Thoroughly validated to human studies, it represents the state of the art for studies of Fe bioavailability.

Knowledge of Fe bioavailability is critical to the assessment of the nutritional quality of Fe in foods. In vivo measurement of Fe bioavailability is ...

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4.3K Views.  Robert Holley Center for Agriculture and Health. The Caco-2 cell bioassay for iron (Fe) bioavailability represents a cost-effective and versatile approach to assess Fe bioavailability from foods, food products, supplements, meals, and even diet regimens. Thoroughly validated to human studies, it represents the state of the art for studies of Fe bioavailability.

Video: The Caco-2 Cell Bioassay for Measurement of Food Iron Bioavailability

Human In-Vivo Bioassay for the Tissue-Specific Measurement of Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mediators

This in-vivo human bioassay can be used to study human volunteers and patients. Samples are collected from pertinent tissue sites such as the skin via aseptically inserted microdialysis catheters (Dermal Dialysis, Erlangen, Germany). Illustrated in this example is the collection of interstitial fluid from experimentally inflamed skin in human volunteers. Sample collection can be combined with other experimental tests. For example, the simultaneous assessment of locally released biochemicals and subjective sensitivity to painful stimuli in experimentally inflamed skin provides the critical biochemical-behavioral link to identify biomarkers of pain and inflammation. Presented assay in the living human organism allows for mechanistic insight into tissue-specific processes underlying pain and/or inflammation. The method is also well suited to examine the effectiveness of existing or novel interventions - such as new drug candidates - targeting the treatment of painful and/or inflammatory conditions.
This article will provide a detailed description on the use of microdialysis techniques for collecting interstitial fluid from experimentally inflamed skin lesion of human study subjects. Interstitial fluid samples are typically processed with aid of multiplex bead array immunoassays allowing assaying up to 100 analytes in samples as small in volume as 50 microliters.


A technique is presented for the in-vivo collection of interstitial fluid samples from pertinent tissue sites (here, experimentally inflamed skin) for the measurement of biochemicals mediating pain and inflammation.

This in-vivo human bioassay can be used to study human volunteers and patients. Samples are collected from pertinent tissue sites such as the skin via ...

Modified Annexin V/Propidium Iodide Apoptosis Assay For Accurate Assessment of Cell Death

Studies of cellular apoptosis have been significantly impacted since the introduction of flow cytometry-based methods. Propidium iodide (PI) is widely used in conjunction with Annexin V to determine if cells are viable, apoptotic, or necrotic through differences in plasma membrane integrity and permeability1,2. The Annexin V/ PI protocol is a commonly used approach for studying apoptotic cells3. PI is used more often than other nuclear stains because it is economical, stable and a good indicator of cell viability, based on its capacity to exclude dye in living cells 4,5. The ability of PI to enter a cell is dependent upon the permeability of the membrane; PI does not stain live or early apoptotic cells due to the presence of an intact plasma membrane 1,2,6. In late apoptotic and necrotic cells, the integrity of the plasma and nuclear membranes decreases7,8, allowing PI to pass through the membranes, intercalate into nucleic acids, and display red fluorescence 1,2,9. Unfortunately, we find that conventional Annexin V/ PI protocols lead to a significant number of false positive events (up to 40%), which are associated with PI staining of RNA within the cytoplasmic compartment10. Primary cells and cell lines in a broad range of animal models are affected, with large cells (nuclear: cytoplasmic ratios &lt;0.5) showing the highest occurrence10. Herein, we demonstrate a modified Annexin V/ PI method that provides a significant improvement for assessment of cell death compared to conventional methods. This protocol takes advantage of changes in cellular permeability during cell fixing to promote entry of RNase A into cells following staining. Both the timing and concentration of RNase A have been optimized for removal of cytoplasmic RNA. The result is a significant improvement over conventional Annexin V/ PI protocols (&lt; 5% events with cytoplasmic PI staining).

An accurate method for the assessment of cell death is described. The protocol improves upon conventional Annexin V/ propidium iodide (PI) protocols, which display up to 40% false- positive events in cell lines and primary cells from a broad range of animal models.

Studies of cellular apoptosis have been significantly impacted since the introduction of flow cytometry-based methods. Propidium iodide (PI) is widely ...

Detection of Live Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cells by PMA-qPCR

A unique open reading frame (ORF) Z3276 was identified as a specific genetic marker for E. coli O157:H7. A qPCR assay was developed for detection of E. coli O157:H7 by targeting ORF Z3276. With this assay, we can detect as low as a few copies of the genome of DNA of E. coli O157:H7. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were confirmed by intensive validation tests with a large number of E. coli O157:H7 strains (n = 369) and non-O157 strains (n = 112). Furthermore, we have combined propidium monoazide (PMA) procedure with the newly developed qPCR protocol for selective detection of live cells from dead cells. Amplification of DNA from PMA-treated dead cells was almost completely inhibited in contrast to virtually unaffected amplification of DNA from PMA-treated live cells. Additionally, the protocol has been modified and adapted to a 96-well plate format for an easy and consistent handling of a large number of samples. This method is expected to have an impact on accurate microbiological and epidemiological monitoring of food safety and environmental source.

Detection of Live Escherichia coli O157:H7 Cells by PMA-qPCR

A qPCR assay was developed for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 targeting a unique genetic marker, Z3276. The qPCR was combined with propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment for live cell detection. This protocol has been modified and adapted to a 96-well plate format for easy and consistent handling of numerous samples

A unique open reading frame (ORF) Z3276 was identified as a specific genetic marker for E. coli O157:H7. A qPCR assay was developed for detection of E. ...

Measurement of Heme Synthesis Levels in Mammalian Cells

Heme serves as the prosthetic group for a wide variety of proteins known as hemoproteins, such as hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. It is involved in various molecular and cellular processes such as gene transcription, translation, cell differentiation and cell proliferation. The biosynthesis levels of heme vary across different tissues and cell types and is altered in diseased conditions such as anemia, neuropathy and cancer. This technique uses [4-14C] 5-aminolevulinic acid ([14C] 5-ALA), one of the early precursors in the heme biosynthesis pathway to measure the levels of heme synthesis in mammalian cells. This assay involves incubation of cells with [14C] 5-ALA followed by extraction of heme and measurement of the radioactivity incorporated into heme. This procedure is accurate and quick. This method measures the relative levels of heme biosynthesis rather than the total heme content. To demonstrate the use of this technique the levels of heme biosynthesis were measured in several mammalian cell lines.

Altered intracellular heme levels are associated with common diseases such as cancer. Thus, there is a need to measure heme biosynthesis levels in diverse cells. The goal of this protocol is to provide a fast and sensitive method to measure and compare the levels of heme synthesis in different cells.

Heme serves as the prosthetic group for a wide variety of proteins known as hemoproteins, such as hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochromes. It is involved in ...

Bone Conditioned Medium: Preparation and Bioassay

Autologous bone grafts are widely used in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, and traumatology. Autologous bone grafts not only replace missing bone, they also support the complex process of bone regeneration. This favorable behavior of autografts is attributed to the three characteristics: osteoconductivity, osteogenicity, and osteoinductivity. However, there is another aspect: Bone grafts release a myriad of molecules, including growth factors, which can target mesenchymal cells involved in bone regeneration. The paracrine properties of bone grafts can be studied in vitro by the use of bone-conditioned medium (BCM). Here we present a protocol on how to prepare bone-conditioned medium from native pig cortical bone, and bone that underwent thermal processing or demineralization. Cells can be directly exposed to BCM or seeded onto biomaterials, such as collagen membranes, previously soaked with BCM. We give examples for in vitro bioassays with mesenchymal cells on the expression of TGF-&#946; regulated genes. The presented protocols should encourage to further reveal the paracrine effects of bone grafts during bone regeneration and open a path for translational research in the broad field of reconstructive surgery.

We describe here how to prepare bone-conditioned medium (BCM) and test its activity in vitro.

Autologous bone grafts are widely used in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, and traumatology. Autologous bone grafts not only replace missing ...

Using Caco-2 Cells to Study Lipid Transport by the Intestine

Studies of dietary fat absorption are generally conducted by using an animal model equipped with a lymph cannula. Although this animal model is widely accepted as the in vivo model of dietary fat absorption, the surgical techniques involved are challenging and expensive. Genetic manipulation of the animal model is also costly and time consuming. The alternative in vitro model is arguably more affordable, timesaving, and less challenging. Importantly, the in vitro model allows investigators to examine the enterocytes as an isolated system, reducing the complexity inherent in the whole organism model. This paper describes how human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2) can serve as an in vitro model to study the enterocyte transport of lipids, and lipid-soluble drugs and vitamins. It explains the proper maintenance of Caco-2 cells and the preparation of their lipid mixture; and it further discusses the valuable option of using the permeable membrane system. Since differentiated Caco-2 cells are polarized, the main advantage of using the permeable membrane system is that it separates the apical from the basolateral compartment. Consequently, the lipid mixture can be added to the apical compartment while the lipoproteins can be collected from the basolateral compartment. In addition, the effectiveness of the lentivirus expression system in upregulating gene expression in Caco-2 cells is discussed. Lastly, this paper describes how to confirm the successful isolation of intestinal lipoproteins by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Caco-2 cells can serve as an in vitro model to study the enterocyte transport of lipids, and lipid-soluble drugs/vitamins. The permeable membrane system separates the apical from the basolateral compartment, while the lentivirus expression system offers an effective gene overexpression method. The isolation of lipoproteins is confirmed by TEM.

Studies of dietary fat absorption are generally conducted by using an animal model equipped with a lymph cannula. Although this animal model is widely ...

A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

The analysis of receptor tyrosine kinases and their interacting ligands involved in vascular biology is often challenging due to the constitutive expression of families of related receptors, a broad range of related ligands and the difficulty of dealing with primary cultures of specialized endothelial cells. Here we describe a bioassay for the detection of ligands to the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), a key transducer of signals that promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. A cDNA encoding a fusion of the extracellular (ligand-binding) region of VEGFR-2 with the transmembrane and cytoplasmic regions of the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) is expressed in the factor-dependent cell line Ba/F3. This cell line grows in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3) and withdrawal of this factor results in death of the cells within 24 hr. Expression of the VEGFR-2/EpoR receptor fusion provides an alternative mechanism to promote survival and potentially proliferation of stably transfected Ba/F3 cells in the presence of a ligand capable of binding and cross-linking the extracellular portion of the fusion protein (i.e., one that can cross-link the VEGFR-2 extracellular region). The assay can be performed in two ways: a semi-quantitative approach in which small volumes of ligand and cells permit a rapid result in 24 hr, and a quantitative approach involving surrogate markers of a viable cell number. The assay is relatively easy to perform, is highly responsive to known VEGFR-2 ligands and can accommodate extracellular inhibitors of VEGFR-2 signaling such as monoclonal antibodies to the receptor or ligands, and soluble ligand traps.

We describe a simple cell-based bioassay for detecting, quantifying and monitoring the activity of members of the vascular endothelial growth factor family of ligands. The assay uses chimeric receptors expressed in a factor-dependent cell line to provide a semi-quantitative or quantitative assessment of receptor binding and cross-linking by the ligand.

The analysis of receptor tyrosine kinases and their interacting ligands involved in vascular biology is often challenging due to the constitutive ...

Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D

The intestinal epithelium has important transport and barrier functions that play key roles in normal physiological functions of the body while providing a barrier to foreign particles. Impaired epithelial transport (ion, nutrient, or drugs) has been associated with many diseases and can have consequences that extend beyond the normal physiological functions of the transporters, such as by influencing epithelial integrity and the gut microbiome. Understanding the function and regulation of transport proteins is critical for the development of improved therapeutic interventions. The biggest challenge in the study of epithelial transport is developing a suitable model system that recapitulates important features of the native intestinal epithelial cells. Several in vitro cell culture models, such as Caco-2, T-84, and HT-29-Cl.19A cells are typically used in epithelial transport research. These cell lines represent a reductionist approach to modeling the epithelium and have been used in many mechanistic studies, including their examination of epithelial-microbial interactions. However, cell monolayers do not accurately reflect cell-cell interactions and the in vivo microenvironment. Cells grown in 3D have shown to be promising models for drug permeability studies. We show that Caco-2 cells in 3D can be used to study epithelial transporters. It is also important that studies in Caco-2 cells are complemented with other models to rule out cell specific effects and to take into account the complexity of the native intestine. Several methods have been previously used to assess the functionality of transporters, such as everted sac and uptake in isolated epithelial cells or in isolated plasma membrane vesicles. Taking into consideration the challenges in the field with respect to models and the measurement of transport function, we demonstrate here a protocol to grow Caco-2 cells in 3D and describe the use of an Ussing chamber as an effective approach to measure serotonin transport, such as in intact polarized intestinal epithelia.

We describe simple methods to study the regulation of intestinal serotonin transporter (SERT) function and expression using an in vitro cell culture model of Caco-2 cells grown in 3D&#160;and an ex vivo model of mouse intestines. These methods are applicable to the study of other epithelial transporters.

The intestinal epithelium has important transport and barrier functions that play key roles in normal physiological functions of the body while providing ...

Measuring Crop Motility and Food Passaging in Drosophila

Most animals use the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to digest food. The movement of the ingested food in the GI tract is essential for nutrient absorption. Disordered GI motility and gastric emptying cause multiple diseases and symptoms. As a powerful genetic model organism, Drosophila can be used in GI motility research. The Drosophila crop is an organ that contracts and moves food into the midgut for further digestion, functionally similar to a mammalian stomach. Presented is a protocol to study Drosophila crop motility using simple measurement tools. A method for counting crop contractions to evaluate crop motility and a method for detecting the distribution of food dyed blue between the crop and gut using a spectrophotometer to investigate the effect of the crop on food passaging is described. The method was used to detect the difference in crop motility between control and nprl2 mutant flies. This protocol is both cost-efficient and highly sensitive to crop motility.

Measuring Crop Motility and Food Passaging in Drosophila

The goal of this protocol is to measure crop contraction and quantify food distribution in the Drosophila gut.

Most animals use the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to digest food. The movement of the ingested food in the GI tract is essential for nutrient absorption. ...

Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain and it entails a high degree of impairment for the affected individuals. To decode disc degeneration and to be able to develop regenerative approaches a thorough understanding of the cellular biology of the IVD is essential. One aspect of this biology that still remains unanswered is the question of how cells are spatially arranged in a physiological state and during degeneration. The biological properties of the IVD and its availability make this tissue difficult to analyze. The present study investigates spatial chondrocyte organization in the anulus fibrosus from early embryonic development to end-stage degeneration. An optical sectioning method (Apotome) is applied to perform high resolution staining analyses using bovine embryonic tissue as an animal model and human disc tissue obtained from patients undergoing spine surgery. From a very high chondrocyte density in the early embryonic bovine disc, the number of cells decreases during gestation, growth, and maturation. In human discs, an increase in cellular density accompanied the progression of tissue degeneration. As had already been demonstrated in articular cartilage, cluster formation represents a characteristic feature of advanced disc degeneration.

We present a method to investigate spatial chondrocyte organization in the anulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc using an optical sectioning method.

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain and it entails a high degree of impairment for the affected individuals. To ...