The first prevalidation study showed that the method is well suited to represent the dose-response relationship between cell cultures exposed to a noxious agent. The test results may reflect well the common in vivo data of the literature. Currently, the researchers are still working on some optimization details intending to test further substances by using this method. Dr. Schuler from the Beiersdorf Company and Dr. Mewes from the Henkel Company showed keen interest in the new method. Uncidentally it is already used by the cigarette industry in screening tests.




Two RFS systems used parallel in clean air exposure and substance exposure tests.
Image: CULTEX Laboratories.


Prof. Mohr, founder of CULTEX Laboratories Ltd. concluded: "The results are in line with our expectations, but there is still much to be done in order to conclude the in vitro studies successfully." The RFS system (Radial Flow System) was developed by CULTEX to test aerosols on cell cultures such as the alveolar cell type II (A549) as well as other cell types. The aerosols are brought homogeneously on the cell cultures avoiding measurement errors and artifacts during the cell exposure. InVitroJobs reported repeatedly  and intruduced the CULTEX Company in the section "Working group - a Portrait" last year.

Dr. Bornatowicz of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki brought up an application in the field of nanoparticle research for discussion. In this field scientific knowledge is required since it is not clear how to handle nanoparticles. He also can imagine tests to classify toxic substances using this test system.

The researchers want to go into the second prevalidation phase. The RFS system is to be used once in order to replace the use of animals in acute toxicity, sub-chronic and chronic toxicity (inhalation experiments with repeated dosing over a period of 28 days and longer).