GLP Research Unit – Cytotoxicity – Elution method

In vitro testing refers to research conducted outside of a living organism, usually in laboratories, on isolated cells, tissues or organs. In vitro testing allows the study of various biological processes, chemical interactions, toxicity of substances and other aspects, without the use of living organisms.

Cytotoxicity testing, allows testing the ability of chemicals to damage or destroy cells. The elution method in this case means elucidating what mechanisms underlie this cell damage.

At Our Testing Unit, testing is carried out in a cellular laboratory, both with and without Good Laboratory Practice standards. International standards and guidelines for conducting laboratory tests in accordance with GLP and ISO 10993 ensure a high level of quality, accuracy and reliability of results. These guidelines are designed to ensure the integrity and quality of laboratory data that are generated for scientific and regulatory purposes.

Elution methods for cytotoxicity testing may include:

1. Analysis of cell morphology: Observation of changes in cell structure and appearance under the microscope, which can give clues to the type of damage.
2. Apoptosis and necrosis testing: Detecting the processes of programmed cell death (apoptosis) or sudden cell death (necrosis), which can help understand how a substance affects cellular life processes.
3. Gene expression analysis: Monitoring changes in gene expression related to responses to stress, toxicity and other cellular response mechanisms.
4. Enzyme activity studies: Checking whether a substance affects the activity of key cellular enzymes that are important for various life processes.
5. Mitochondrial function studies: Testing whether a substance affects the function of mitochondria, which play a key role in cellular energy production.
6. Analysis of immune reactions: Investigating whether a substance triggers immune system responses, which can affect cells’ ability to survive.

In vitro, elution-based cytotoxicity tests are important because they provide reliability and transparency of results, which is crucial in assessing the safety of chemicals, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and other products that may come into contact with the human body.