Biocompatibility tests: cultivation of animal cells and their applications in toxicity studies

Abstract

Introduction: the in vitro culture of animal cells is a modern technology, based on scientific principles and principles with many applications, including the union of international organizations to validate models of in vitro tests to evaluate chemical toxicity. since these are low cost, higher productivity and provides faster results. Objective: To address, through a bibliographic review, the most commonly used methods of cytotoxicity evaluation, as well as other biological assays necessary for biocompatibility tests. Methodology: the main works and standards were selected by means of a search in the scientific research bases of Scielo, Google Scholar and books on the subject, in order to provide a basis for an adequate design of in vitro cytotocic assays. Results: The current availability of a variability of methodologies and cell lines in national and international banks made possible the wide use of cell culture as in vitro models for toxicological evaluations. Conclusion: Initial cytotoxicity tests have limitations when correlated with clinical situations, but they are valid to determine the biological behavior of materials and / or their components, establishing essential information in the initial research phase of a biomaterial and directing the necessary in vivo tests. In addition to cytotoxicity assays, which should not be equated with biocompatibility, the evaluation of a medical device shall be based on in vivo tests analyzing acute and chronic toxicity, inflammation, irritation, sensitivity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, allergic reactions, haemocompatibility and systemic toxicity.