# The use of insect cell line Sf21 for ecotoxicity testing

## TL;DR

This study shows that Sf21 insect cells can be used effectively to test the toxicity of chemicals like fungicides and solvents.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the sensitivity and utility of Sf21 cells for in vitro ecotoxicity testing with specific chemicals.

## Key findings

- Sf21 cells showed EC50 values of 135.1 μM for propiconazole and 3.31 mM for CuSO4.
- The lowest observed adverse effect levels were approximately 1 μM for propiconazole and 10 μM for CuSO4.
- 0.5% DMSO concentration did not affect cell viability, indicating its safety for use in testing.

## Abstract

Insect cell lines are finding utility in many areas of biology, but their application as an in vitro tool for ecotoxicity testing has been given less attention. Our study aimed to demonstrate the utility and sensitivity of Sf21 cells to commonly used fungicides: Propiconazole and CuSO4, as well as dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) an industrial solvent. Sf21 cells were readily cultured from frozen stocks in 3-4 days and showed utility as an invertebrate in vitro acute toxicity test. The data showed the threshold levels of cell survivability against propiconazole and CuSO4. The EC50 values were 135.1 μM and 3.31 mM respectively. The LOAEL (lowest observed adverse effect level) was ≈ 1 μM for propiconazole and ≈ 10 μM for CuSO4. Culturing of Sf21 cells in media containing the solvent DMSO showed that 0.5% DMSO concentration did not effect cell viability. Sf21 cells are sensitive and useful as a robust ecologically relevant screening tool for acute toxicity testing.