TOXICHIP
VigiCell continually seeks to improve each component of its predictive toxicology platform via in-house development, co-development or acquisition.
VigiCell is a service provider: we never compete with our customers.
Toxichip is an innovative European Union FP6 project performed in collaboration with seven other partners. This toxicology system is based on the development of two distinct products:
The eukaryote cell-based Toxichip platform: : this biochip system enables assessment of the short-, medium- and long-term toxicity of a fluid on human health. Human or animal eukaryotic cells are cultured on the biochip and are placed in contact with a sample of the test substance. A continuous read-out of the extracellular pH, impedance and partial pressure oxygen around the cultured cells enables analysis of the fluid's toxicity.
The prokaryote cell-based Toxichip platform: : this biochip was specifically designed for the detection of toxic compounds. The chip is seeded with genetically modified prokaryotic cells (bacteria). Each type of cell is able to recognize a particular toxic compound and then emit a specific light signal (detected immediately by the in situ optical sensor).
These novel, alternative in vitro screening methods mean that the current demand for animal sacrifice can be reduced, whilst decreasing the turn-around time for toxicology testing.
Applications :
- in vitro evaluation of the toxicity of novel compounds (e.g. in the pharmaceutical industry)
- in vitro evaluation of environmental toxicity (e.g. in river water monitoring)
- additional data for biocompatibility tests (e.g. in the biomedical industry)
- quality control for all steps in the R&D & production process (e.g. in the dairy industry)
- monitoring aqueous industrial effluent (e.g. in the bulk chemicals industry)
- detection of contaminants (e.g. for monitoring drinking water)
