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Cytotoxicity Assays with Zebrafish Cell Lines
Published on: January 6, 2023
Advances in three-dimensional fish cell models for aquatic toxicology
Ping-Ping Zhang1, Chong-Rui Yao1, Wen-Jun Shi1
1SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, University Town, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Three-dimensional (3D) fish cell cultures offer advanced toxicological insights for aquatic ecosystems. These innovative models provide greater ecological relevance and predictive power than traditional methods for assessing environmental pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Ecotoxicology
- Aquatic Toxicology
- Cell Culture Technology
Background:
- Aquatic ecosystems face increasing threats from diverse environmental pollutants.
- Traditional in vivo fish models and 2D cell cultures have limitations in ethical considerations and ecological relevance.
- Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems are emerging as advanced tools for aquatic toxicology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advantages of 3D fish cell culture systems in ecotoxicology.
- To discuss the applications and potential of these advanced models in assessing pollutant toxicity.
- To address challenges and future directions for integrating 3D models into risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing 3D fish cell culture systems (spheroids, organoids, organ-on-a-chip).
- Conducting long-term exposure studies to assess pollutant toxicity and bioaccumulation.
- Evaluating specific applications such as endocrine disruption and pharmaceutical metabolism.
Main Results:
- 3D models accurately replicate native tissue architecture and maintain metabolic functions.
- These systems enable comprehensive assessment of pollutant toxicity and bioaccumulation potential.
- 3D models demonstrate superior predictive capacity compared to conventional 2D assays for various toxicological endpoints.
Conclusions:
- 3D fish cell culture systems are powerful tools for ecotoxicological testing and ecological risk assessment.
- Advancements in standardization, analytical compatibility, and culture stability are needed.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for integrating these models into animal-free toxicology initiatives.
