A method for toxicity screening of biomaterials using cells cultured on millipore filters

In the present paper a tissue culture technique is described whereby the toxicity of setting and solid materials may be evaluated. A cell monolayer was established on a millipore filter which was placed on an agar medium, cell side down. Test specimens were placed on top of the millipore filter and were allowed to influence the cells through the filter for two hours. The cell reaction was assessed by incubating the cells, still adherent to the filter, for the demonstration of succinate dehydrogenase activity. Materials with a cytotoxic effect caused a zone of inhibited enzyme activity in the cell-material contact area. The filters were examined macroscopically and scores from 0 to 3 were given to grade the severity of the cell response. Unset and set silicate cement, zinc phosphate cement and an acrylic resin were tested. The results obtained were consistent and in accordance with those of previous reports. The method was simple and rapid and appeared suitable for the assay of larger test series.