Biocompatibility assessment: application of fluorescent probe response (FPR) technique

An in vitro test procedure capable of discriminating effectively between intact and membrane-damaged cells has been developed. This procedure utilizes fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide as fluorescent probes. The properties of the probes and the collapse in the selective cytoplasmic membrane permeability barrier of the damaged cells ensure the principal feature of the test procedure, that functional cells fluoresce bright green, but membrane-damaged cells fluoresce bright red. Investigations with natural rubber, silicone and acrylic polymers confirmed the suitability of the procedure to distinguish between materials on the basis of cytotoxicity.