ABSTRACT
The use of human cell lines, primary cells, or 3D cell systems for the exposure to airborne substances offers a predictive value for human health hazards without the use of animals. There is a wide range of cells from different areas of the respiratory tract available as well as from donors with different health records. The use of in vitro tests allows for faster and less costly results than long-lasting animal tests. Furthermore, a wide range of substances can be tested. In the early phases of testing airborne materials in vitro, scientists had no other choice than to use a submerged exposure process. The presented air–liquid interface systems are an appropriate method to assess the lung toxicity of inhalable toxins in gaseous and particulate form. In order to overcome the shortcomings, VITROCELL offers exposure modules consisting of two major parts: The base module, which accommodates the cell culture inserts and the culture media and the aerosol exposure top.
