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Assessing the propensity of a nanomaterial to cause cytotoxicity to the cells of a target organ can assist in preclinical development.

The standard historical cytotoxicity testing of materials and extracts of materials has used fibroblasts and is well documented in Practice F 813, Test Method F 895, and ISO 10993-5. The use of macrophages and micron size particles has also provided information on cytotoxicity and stimulation using Practice F 1903.

This test method adds to the cytotoxicity test protocols by using target organ cells. Two quantitative assays measuring LDH leakage and MTT reduction are used to estimate cytotoxicity.

This test method may not be predictive of events occurring in all types of nanomaterial applications and the user is cautioned to consider the appropriateness of the test for various types of nanomaterial applications. This procedure should only be used to compare the cytoxicity of a series of related nanomaterials. Meaningful comparison of unrelated nanomaterials is not possible without additional characterization of physicochemical properties of each individual nanomaterial in the assay matrix.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method provides a methodology to assess the cytotoxicity of suspensions of nanoparticulate materials in porcine proximal tubule cells (LLC-PK1) and human hepatocarcinoma cells (Hep G2) which represents potential target organs following systemic administration

1.2 This test method is part of the in vitro preclinical characterization cascade.

1.3 This test method consists of a protocol utilizing two methods for estimation of cytotoxicity, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release.