Evaluation of the anticancer potential and enhanced bioavailability: Glutathione in double-layer furcellaran-chitosan microcapsules.

In response to the challenge of glutathione (GSH) instability, we developed novel double-layer furcellaran-chitosan (FUR/CHIT) microcapsules, which are designed to protect and control the release of GSH. The aim was to evaluate their anti-cancer mechanisms (mitochondrial apoptosis induction and migration inhibition) in Hep G2 cells in vitro, and their efficacy and safety in enhancing systemic antioxidant status in vivo in Wistar rats. The double-layer FUR/CHIT microcapsules effectively preserve and deliver GSH intact. This successful delivery is evidenced by the observed increase in serum GSH concentration and the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme genes, which collectively support systemic antioxidant protection in medical conditions including cancer. Our findings, for the first time, provide evidence of dual anti-cancer action of encapsulated GSH in double-layer FUR/CHI microcapsules, which not only force Hep G2 cells into apoptosis via the mitochondrial route, but also prevent their movement and spread - a vital mechanism for inhibiting metastasis.