A rapid quantitative method based on motility of bull sperm cells for in vitro toxicity testing of biomaterials

A quantitative method for in vitro toxicity testing of biomaterials, based on measurements of time-dependent changes of bull sperm motility, is described. In comparison to the haemolytic and toxic effects of biomaterials such as polyurethanes, poly(vinyl chloride) tubes and bioglass ceramics on erythrocytes and the proliferation rate of human embryonic lung fibroblasts, this method is shown to be more sensitive. The simplicity, rapidity and reproducibility of the test under application of genetically identical cells are advantages that make it suitable for screening large numbers of samples. The quantification of test results allows inter-laboratory comparison.