Genotoxicology

The Interaction between Chemical Substances and DNA can have Serious Consequences for the Organism

Genotoxic chemicals are prohibited in many uses. Therefore, the assessment of genotoxicity is a must for any substance to be registered and approved. To obtain information on genotoxicity of a substance, tests are required in different organisms and assessing different genetic endpoints. Based on the results from these different test systems, a final risk assessment for the chemical can then be done.

We can perform for you a complete set of in vitro tests in our GLP-certified laboratories.

Genotoxicity testing strategies are designed in a step-wise manner, where the initial tests for gene mutagenicity are performed in bacterial systems. Based on these results, studies follow in e.g. immortalised mammalian cell lines and / or in primary mammalian cell cultures. These test systems cover both gene mutations as well as effects of clastogens and aneugens as important genetic endpoints.

We’re working tirelessly with the establishment and validation of new In-Vitro test systems in order to fulfil the principles of 3R (Refine, Reduce, Replace) and offer new alternatives to animal testing. One such promising alternative for investigating clastogenicity and aneugenicity is the Hen’s Egg Test on induction of micronuclei (HET-MN).

We offer the Bhas 42 cell transformation assay as an adequate test system to identify non-genotoxic carcinogens.

Most of the In-Vitro test systems are also offered as modified screening tests and we‘re happy to customise a test design to meet your special needs.