Direct exposure methods for testing native atmospheres

In-vitro cell exposure studies for the assessment of nanoparticle toxicity in the lung—A dialog between aerosol science and biology

“…2 (left panel) by growing the cells on micro-porous membranes the cells can be nutrified from the basal side of the membrane whereas the apical part with the cultivated cells is in direct contact with the test atmosphere consisting of gaseous and/or particulate compounds. The essential aspects for in-vitro exposure devices mimicking realistic inhalation exposure conditions as found in the lung are as follows: (1) complex pulmonary cell systems, which can be cultivated for at least several hours at the ALI (see Sections 3.2.3), (2) direct contact between the cultivated cells and the inhalable substances without interfering medium, (3) uniform exposure of the entire cell layer (4), temperature and humidity conditioning of the air to maintain cell integrity (T$ 37 1C; RH485%) and (5) precise control of the pollutant levels (Rasmussen, 1984;Aufderheide, 2005Aufderheide, , 2008 for accurate dosimetry. While issues 1 and 5 will be discussed in more detail below (see Sections 3 and 4, respectively), here we will focus on aspects 2-4.…”

In Vitro Exposure Systems and Bioassays for the Assessment of Toxicity of Nanoparticles to the Human Lung

“…In the CULTEX exposure system the aerosol flows directly to the cell culture surface by an inlet tube ending above it. Aufderheide and co-workers demonstrated in several studies the application of this system for different test atmospheres, target cells and biological endpoints (Aufderheide, 2005). The CULTEX system has been employed by other research groups to study the effects of diesel exhaust fumes on A549 cells and rat alveolar macrophages (Seagrave and McDonald, 2004) or of cigarette smoke on A549 cells (Fukano et al, 2004).…”

Cell-based in vitro models in environmental toxicology: a review

“…Testing native atmosphere and other gaseous specimens is also challenging on a technical level; replicating exposure in the respiratory tract of humans is more difficult in cell culture, where often a comparable large volume of medium is interfering and limiting the gaseous exchange. Recent sophisticated methods, like biphasic cell culture on microporous membranes, allow for more direct exposure at an air-liquid interface, and a better resemblance of the conditions in the respiratory tract [12,13].…”