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Updated: Apr 10, 2026

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Published on: July 22, 2021
Cytotoxic Effect of Voriconazole on Human Corneal Epithelial Cells
Bianka Sobolewska1, Guelhan Guerel, Johanna Hofmann
1Center for Ophthalmology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Background:
To assess the cytotoxic properties of voriconazole and sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBECD) on cultured primary human corneal epithelial cells.
Methods:
Human corneal epithelial cells were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of SBECD (0.016-32 mg/ml) and voriconazole (0.001-2 mg/ml). Cellular cytotoxicity of SBECD and voriconazole on human corneal epithelial cells was evaluated using the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide test and the LIVE/DEAD Viability/Cytotoxicity Assay with fluorescence microscopy analysis. Cell damage was assessed with phase-contrast microscopy after 24 h of exposure to SBECD and voriconazole.
Results:
The cytotoxicity tests and the morphological characteristic demonstrated the dose-dependent toxic effect of SBECD and voriconazole on human corneal epithelial cells. No corneal epithelial cytotoxicity was observed below the concentration of 0.08 and 0.025 mg/ml after 24-hour exposure to SBECD and voriconazole, respectively.
Conclusions:
The results of the study reveal the dose-dependent cytotoxic effect of SBECD and voriconazole on cultured human corneal epithelial cells. Therefore, voriconazole eye drops should be used cautiously in the treatment of fungal corneal ulcers.
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