Comparative in vitro study of cholinium-based ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents toward fish cell line

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Ionic liquids were initially expected to be eco-friendly alternatives to organic solvents.
• Conventional ionic liquids (imidazolium, pyridinium-based) pose environmental concerns.
• Natural ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents (DES) from renewable sources are emerging as safer alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ecotoxicological effects of novel cholinium-based ionic liquids and DES.
• To evaluate the cytotoxicity of these compounds using a permanent fish cell line.
• To compare the toxicity of cholinium-based solvents with conventional ionic liquids.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Channel Catfish Ovary (CCO) cell line for cytotoxicity testing.
• Exposed CCO cells to fifteen different cholinium-based ionic liquids and DES.
• Quantified cytotoxicity by measuring the decrease in cell viability.

Main Results:

• Choline oxalate demonstrated the most significant toxic effect on CCO cells.
• Most other tested cholinium-based ionic liquids and DES exhibited low cytotoxicity.
• A marked decrease in cell viability was observed with choline oxalate exposure.

Conclusions:

• Cholinium-based ionic liquids and DES are comparatively less toxic to Channel Catfish Ovary cells than conventional ionic liquids.
• These novel solvents represent a potentially safer and more sustainable option for chemical and biotechnological applications.
• Further research into the ecotoxicological profiles of natural ionic liquids and DES is warranted.