First Results from Biological Testing

In a first screening study, toxicity levels of substances from test-kits 1, 2, and 4 toward two different mammalian cell lines and on Vibrio fischeri have been investigated [13]. The main questions addressed in this study were  

The use of mammalian cell cultures for a screening hazard assessment is an innovative approach in the environmental sciences, although they have been used in more mechanistic studies, e.g., for mode of action studies. The two cell cultures 

In general, cell cultures provide a quick and economical means to gain a first understanding about the biological activities of large numbers of substances. 

This innovative method is combined with the Vibrio jischeri acute bioluminescence inhibition assay, for which a large database of effect concentrahons is available. 

The bioluminescence inhibition assay for acute toxicity based on the bacterium Vibrio Jischeri (formerly Photobacterium phosphoreum) is a standard eco-toxicological bioassay in Europe (DIN EN ISO 11348). Because this method is very rapid and cost-effective it has been widely used in environmental toxicity studies, e.g., routine screening of river and lake water or effluents, monitoring of bioremediated soils, or toxicity testing of chemicals [14]. 

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