Cytotoxicity of Non-hydrosoluble Substances towards Human Skin Fibroblasts Cultured on Microporous Membrane: A Model for the Study of Ocular Irritancy Potential

Abstract

The use of a microporous membrane as an interface between the cell monolayer and a substance dissolved in a non-aqueous, non-cytotoxic medium has permitted the study of the cytotoxicity of non water-soluble substances without the addition of any adjuvant for dispersion or solubilisation. The LC50 values of raw materials widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products were established on human skin fibroblasts. This method was also applied to the study of cosmetic products. A relationship between exposure time and cytotoxicity was established for 169 products and a cytotoxicity index (MCI) was calculated. When the results were compared to the Draize maximal ocular irritation index (MaOI), a very good correlation was shown between MCI and MaOI.

Keywords

human fibroblast cultures microporous membrane insoluble substances cosmetic formulations ocular irritancy potential

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