In vitro tests

Alidans offers advanced in vitro testing services thanks to the collaboration with an extensive network of laboratories, universities and research centers. These partnerships allow us to develop detailed scientific assessments that comply with current regulations, ensuring reliable results for the cosmetic, food, medical device, food contact materials (MOCA) and chemical sectors.

Techniques Used for In Vitro Tests

Alidans adopts a wide range of techniques, from simple molecular analysis to complex three-dimensional cellular models, exploiting the interaction between different biological models and advanced analytical methodologies. The biological models used and the techniques applied to effectively evaluate safety, efficacy and functionality are presented below.

Models Used

Proteins, Enzymes and Receptors

• Structural and Functional Proteins: Analysis of proteins involved in biological processes to understand their structure and role in cellular functions.

• Enzymes: Studies on catalytic activities, enzyme inhibitors or activators and metabolic pathways.

• Membrane Receptors: Evaluation of ligand-receptor interactions to analyze the mechanisms of action of various substances.

Cell Cultures

• 2D Cell Lines: Two-dimensional cell cultures (e.g., keratinocytes, fibroblasts, hepatocytes) to evaluate cytotoxicity, proliferation and differentiation.

• Co-Cultural Systems: Mixed cultures of different cell types to better reproduce tissue physiology and their interactions.

Cellular Constructs and 3D Models

• Artificial Skin Models (e.g., Epiderm™): Three-dimensional constructs used to test skin irritation, permeability and the effect of cosmetic products.

• Intestinal Mucosa Models (e.g., Caco-2 Cells): Simulate intestinal absorption and metabolism for studies on foods and supplements.

• Organoids and Spheroids: 3D structures that mimic specific tissues (e.g., liver, lung) for more physiologically relevant functional studies.

Analytical and Evaluation Techniques

Biochemical and Immunologic Methods

• Enzyme Assays: To evaluate catalytic activity and enzyme inhibition.

• Binding Assays: Studies of binding affinity between ligand and receptor, crucial to evaluate the efficacy of bioactive substances.

• Immunoassays: Specific analyses for the quantification of proteins, antibodies, hormones and antigens.

Optical and Spectroscopic Methods

• UV/VIS and Fluorescence: Analysis of light absorption and emission to evaluate concentrations of active substances and their intracellular localization.

• Infrared (IR) and Raman Spectroscopy: Studies of molecular vibrations to identify chemical bonds and molecular interactions.

• Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR): Real-time assessment of biomolecular interactions for binding and interaction kinetics studies.

Imaging and Microscopy Techniques

• Fluorescence and Confocal Microscopy: High-resolution imaging to visualize the distribution of fluorescent molecules in cells and tissues.

• Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM): To analyze ultrastructural details and the morphology of biological samples.

• Live-Cell Imaging: Real-time monitoring of cellular processes to understand the effect of substances on cell viability and function.

Electrophysiological and Electrochemical Techniques

• Patch-Clamp Technique: Measurement of ionic currents and electrical activity in cells for medical devices with stimulatory or regulatory effects.

• Electrochemistry and Biosensors: Analysis of interaction with potential biological targets, such as drug release and cellular response.

Staining and Histology Methods

• Traditional Histological Stains (e.g., H&E, PAS): To observe the structure and tissue morphology in sections of biological specimens.

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Immunocytochemistry (ICC): Identification of specific antigens in cells or tissues using labeled antibodies.

Permeability and Absorption Assessment

• TEER (Trans-Epithelial Electrical Resistance): Measurement of the integrity of epithelial barriers (e.g., skin, intestine) to test the effect of cosmetics, foods and medical devices.

• In vitro Digestion and Absorption Studies: Simulation of the intestinal digestion and absorption process to evaluate the bioavailability of nutrients and bioactive ingredients.

Genetic and Molecular Analysis

• PCR, qPCR and RT-PCR: Assays for the quantification of specific genes and their expression in response to chemicals.

• Transcriptomics and Omics Analysis: To determine the gene expression profile and biological pathways involved in the mechanism of action of substances.

And other customized analyses: our analysis offering is continuously expanding to meet the dynamic needs of the industry. We are ready to develop new customized solutions to meet the specific requests of our clients.

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• 3T3 NRU Phototoxicity Test (OECD TG 432): Identification of the phototoxic potential of cosmetics in contact with UV light.

• Skin Irritation Test (ISO 10993-10): Use of three-dimensional skin constructs to assess skin irritation and sensitization.

• Skin Absorption Test (OECD TG 428): Measurement of transdermal penetration of cosmetic ingredients.

• Collagen Synthesis Assay: Studies to support claims such as "stimulates collagen production", by assessing collagen production by skin fibroblasts.

• Elastin Interaction Test: Evaluation of the effect of ingredients on the structure and functionality of elastin for anti-aging products.

• Keratinocyte Proliferation and Differentiation: Studies to support claims of "cell regeneration", using keratinocytes in artificial skin models.

• Ames Test (OECD TG 471): Mutagenicity tests to ensure the safety of food additives.

• HepG2 Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5): Liver toxicity studies of food ingredients using human liver cell lines.

• Simulation of Gastrointestinal Digestion (INFOGEST Protocol): Simulation of the food digestion process to evaluate the release and absorption of nutrients.

• Intestinal Models (Caco-2 Cell Assay): Evaluation of the absorption capacity of nutrients and bioactive ingredients through the intestinal epithelium.

• Everted Gut Sac Assay: Measurement of intestinal absorption capacity and stability of nutrients.

• Antioxidant Activity Assays (DPPH, ABTS): Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of supplements and functional foods to support health and wellness claims.

• Enzyme Inhibition Assays (Lipase, Amylase): Studies on the effects of foods and supplements on the modulation of digestive enzymes for weight control.

• Global Migration Test (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011): Evaluation of the total amount of substances that can migrate from the material to the food under simulated conditions, such as the use of solvents that mimic contact with various types of food (acids, alcohols, fats).

• Specific Migration Test: Verification of the migration of specific chemical substances from materials in contact with food, such as heavy metals (e.g. lead, cadmium), plasticizers or other regulated substances.

• Heavy Metal Release Test: Analysis of the release of potentially toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium and nickel from ceramic, metallic or glass materials in contact with food.

• Cytotoxicity Test (ISO 10993-5): Evaluation of the cellular toxicity of substances released from MOCA, in which the potential impact of migrating substances on cells is tested.

• Volatile Substance Release Test: Evaluation of the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could be released from MOCA materials under conditions of daily use.

• Organoleptic Alteration Test: Evaluation of the possible alteration of taste, odor or color of foods in contact with MOCA materials to ensure that the organoleptic characteristics of the food remain unchanged.

• Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5): Evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of medical device materials on human cells.

• Skin Sensitization (ISO 10993-10): Evaluation of the sensitizing and irritating effect of medical device materials.

• In vitro Wound Healing Assay: Analysis of the regenerative effect of medical devices on skin cells to confirm wound healing claims.

• Barrier Integrity Assay (TEER): Testing of the effect of the medical device on the barrier properties of the skin or mucosa.

• PK/PD Assays: Studies of the absorption and controlled release of active substances from medical devices using cellular and tissue models.

• Hemocompatibility Testing (ISO 10993-4): Evaluation of the compatibility of materials with blood, including haemolysis and coagulation tests.

• Micronucleus Assay (OECD TG 487): Genotoxicity test to identify the mutagenic potential of chemicals.

• ROS Production Assay: Measurement of the production of reactive oxygen species to evaluate the oxidative toxicity of substances.

• Protein-Ligand Interaction Assays (e.g., SPR): Analysis of interactions between chemicals and proteins

• Enzyme Kinetics and Inhibition Studies: Evaluation of the effect of chemicals on key enzymes to understand their functionality and activity.

• Biodegradability Assays (e.g., OECD TG 301): Studies to determine the biodegradability of chemicals and their potential environmental impact.
  
  
• Ecotoxicological Tests: Tests to evaluate the toxicity of chemicals to aquatic and terrestrial organisms.