In the ongoing quest to ensure product safety and environmental protection, toxicology plays a crucial role. Traditionally, toxicological methods have involved the use of laboratory animals, raising ethical, economic, and scientific dilemmas.

A promising alternative in toxicology is the use of in vitro models, which employ human or animal cells or tissues to study the effects of chemicals. These methods avoid the use of live animals and provide more relevant results for humans. For example, cell cultures allow the assessment of substance toxicity in specific human cells, improving the prediction of effects on the human body.

Let’s delve further into the use of cells:

In vitro Cultured Cell Models: The cell families used include:

• HeLa Cells: Derived from cancerous tissue of Henrietta Lacks in 1951, these cells are widely used in various research fields.
• HEK293 Cells: Originating from an embryonic kidney, they are common in virological studies and are characterized by their robust growth and transfection capability.
• HepG2 Cells: Derived from the human liver, these cells share many characteristics with normal liver cells and are valuable in expressing hepatic enzymes.

Another significant alternative is toxicogenomics, which combines toxicology with genomics and bioinformatics. This discipline studies how genes respond to chemical substances and how these responses may influence toxicity. Toxicogenomics offers a more detailed insight into the underlying mechanisms of toxicity, which can lead to the development of more effective treatments and the identification of toxicity biomarkers.

Furthermore, computational models are emerging as indispensable tools in toxicology. These models use mathematical algorithms to predict the toxicity of chemical substances based on their molecular structure and physicochemical properties. They are fast, cost-effective, and can reduce the need for animal trials.