Esterification products of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, ethoxylated and 2-methylprop-2-enoic acid

Endpoint summary

Description of key information

Two reliable in vitro studies are available to evaluate the skin and eye irritation potential of Reaction products of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, ethoxylated and methacrylic acid. The substance is not irritating for skin and eyes.

Key value for chemical safety assessment

Skin irritation / corrosion

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

skin irritation: in vitro / ex vivo

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

02 May 2019 - 20 May 2019

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 439 (In Vitro Skin Irritation: Reconstructed Human Epidermis Test Method)

Version / remarks:

28 July 2015

Deviations:

no

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

EU Method B.46 (In Vitro Skin Irritation: Reconstructed Human Epidermis Model Test)

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Test system:

human skin model

Source species:

human

Cell type:

non-transformed keratinocytes

Cell source:

other: Episkin, Lyon, France

Details on animal used as source of test system:

not applicable

Justification for test system used:

The EpiskinTM model is a three-dimensional human skin model comprising a reconstructed epidermis with a functional stratum corneum.
Based on the peer review of the results of an inter-laboratory study with the EpiskinTM model, the ECVAM Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) endorsed the conclusion that the EpiskinTM model can be used for distinguishing between skin irritant and non-irritant chemicals. The EpiskinTM model is used for hazard identification and the classification of irritation potential within the context of the sequential skin irritation testing strategy (OECD Test Guideline No. 404, 24th April 2002 and Commission Regulation (EC), No. 440/2008, Part B.4, 30 May 2008).

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Details on test system:

the EpiskinTM model consists of an airlifted, living, multilayered epidermal tissue construction (surface 0.38 cm2), reconstructed from normal human epidermal keratinocytes for 13 days and produced in polycarbonate inserts in a serum-free and chemically defined medium. The model features a normal ultra-structure and is functionally equivalent to human in vivo epidermis.

Control samples:

yes, concurrent negative control

yes, concurrent positive control

Amount/concentration applied:

TEST MATERIAL
- Concentration: neat (as supplied)
- Amount applied (volume or weight with unit): 10 µL

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Exposure period of 15 minutes, followed by rinsing.

Duration of post-treatment incubation (if applicable):

42-hour recovery period.

Number of replicates:

Three tissues were used for each item.
At the end of the viability assay, formazan level in tissues was assessed in duplicate for each tissue.
The mean OD values (mean OD) were then calculated from six replicates on each plate.

Details on study design:

PRELIMINARY TESTS
*Test for direct MTT reduction with the test item
As a test substance may directly reduce MTT, thus mimicking mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity, it is necessary to test the ability of the test item to directly reduce MTT before performing the main test.
To identify any test item interference with the MTT endpoint, the following preliminary test was performed:
. 10 µL of the test item were added to 2 mL of a 0.3 mg/mL freshly prepared MTT solution,
. a negative control was tested concurrently by adding 10 µL of water for injections to 2 mL of a 0.3 mg/mL freshly prepared MTT solution,
. both mixtures were incubated in darkness at +37°C for 3 hours (± 5 minutes).
Then the colour of the solutions obtained was evaluated.

* Test for the detection of the colouring potential of the test item
The intrinsic colour or the ability of the test item to become coloured in contact with water (simulating a tissue humid environment) was evaluated by adding 10 µL of the test item to 90 µL of water for injections in a transparent recipient. After 1 hour (± 3 minutes) of mixing, the presence of the colouration was evaluated.

MAIN TEST
One 12-well plate was used for each test and control items: one plate for the test item, one plate for the negative control and another one for the positive control. Each item was applied onto triplicate tissues.

PRE-INCUBATION OF THE TISSUES ON THEIR DAY OF ARRIVAL (Day 0)
A volume of 2 mL of pre-warmed (at +37°C) maintenance medium was added to 3 wells on a 12-well plate (one plate per item). Each EpiskinTM tissue was then transferred into the maintenance medium pre-filled wells (three tissues per plate) and the plates were incubated at +37°C, 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator for at least 24 hours.

TREATMENT OF TISSUES (Day 1)
A volume of 2 mL of pre-warmed maintenance medium was added into 3 wells on the 12-well plate for each item, respectively.
Each test or control item was then applied on three tissues for an exposure period of 15 minutes (± 1 minute) at room temperature. The items were applied topically to the corresponding tissues and gently spread over the epidermal surfaces to ensure uniform covering of the tissues. The tissues were processed (treatment and rinsing) in the same order and at regular time-intervals to ensure each tissue received an equal exposure period.
For the positive control only, the SDS solution was re-spread after 7 minutes (± 1 minute) contact time with a curved spatula to improve the distribution of the SDS for the remainder of the contact period.

RINSING OF TISSUES AND INCUBATION FOR 42 HOURS (Day 1)
At the end of the treatment period, each tissue was removed from the well of the treatment plate, and rinsed with D-PBS. Rinsing was achieved by gently filling and emptying several times each tissue with D-PBS to gently remove any residual test or control items. The epidermal surface of the tissues treated with the test item was gently swept with a cotton-bud to remove excess D-PBS (without damaging the epidermis). The rinsed tissues were transferred to the second column of 3 wells containing 2 mL of maintenance medium in each well and the plates were incubated at +37°C, 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator for 42 hours.

MTT VAIBILITY ASSAY (Day 3)
Following the 42 hours incubation period, a volume of 2 mL of a freshly prepared MTT solution (0.3 mg/mL) was added into 3 wells on each 12-well plate. The tissues were then transferred to the MTT filled wells and incubated for 3 hours (± 5 minutes) at +37°C, 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator.
At the end of the MTT incubation period, a total biopsy of the epidermis was made by using the Episkin™ biopsy punch. Each tissue was examined with the naked eye and the degree of MTT staining was evaluated. The epidermis was separated from the collagen matrix using forceps and both parts (epidermis and collagen matrix) were placed into micro tubes and incubated with 500 µL of acidic isopropanol. Then, to extract the formazan (reduced MTT) from the MTT-loaded tissues, each tube was stored after vortexing at +5°C and protected from light until Day 6 of the experiment.

OPTICAL DENSITY MEASUREMENTS (Day 6)
At the end of the formazan extraction period, each tube was vortexed until the solution colour became homogenous.
Each tube was used to fill 2 wells of a 96-well plate with 200 µL of extract per well. One 96-well plate was used for the negative and the positive controls (placed at opposite ends of the plate), and a separate 96-well plate was used for test item-treated tissues.
For each 96-well plate, the average Optical Density value (OD) of 6 wells containing 200 µL of acidified isopropanol only was used as the blank.
The OD was measured at 570 nm using a plate reader.

Irritation / corrosion parameter:

% tissue viability

Remarks:

15 min

Run / experiment:

Mean

Value:

119

Vehicle controls validity:

not applicable

Negative controls validity:

valid

Remarks:

100%

Positive controls validity:

valid

Remarks:

9%

Remarks on result:

no indication of irritation

Other effects / acceptance of results:

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
The results of the main test were considered acceptable if the following criteria were fully met:
. the mean cOD of the three negative controls should be = 0.6 and the Standard Deviation (SD) value of the % viability should be = 18%,
. the relative mean viability of the positive control should be = 40% of the relative mean viability of the negative control and the SD value of the % viability should be = 18%,
. the SD value of the % viability between tissue replicates should be = 18%.

EVALUATION OF THE COLOURATION OF TISSUES AT THE END OF THE MTT INCUBATION PERIOD
The qualitative evaluation of the MTT staining was performed with the naked eye.
All test item-treated tissues appeared blue, which was considered indicative for viable tissues.

EVALUATION OF THE MTT RESULTS
All of the acceptance criteria were fulfilled, the study was therefore considered to be valid.

Interpretation of results:

GHS criteria not met

Remarks:

Not skin irritating

Conclusions:

Under the experimental conditions of this study, the test item is considered to be non-irritant to skin.
Accordingly, the classification of the test item should be No Category (UN GHS and Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008).

Executive summary:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the skin irritation potential of the test item, Reaction products of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, ethoxylated and methacrylic acid, using the EpiskinTM reconstructed human epidermis model.

The study design was based upon international guidelines (OECD Test Guideline No. 439 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 761/2009, B.46). The study was conducted in compliance with Citoxlab France standard operating procedures and the principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

 

Methods

Preliminary tests were performed to detect the ability of the test item to directly reduce MTT as well as its colouring potential.

Following the preliminary tests, the skin irritation potential of the test item was tested in the main test. The test item and both negative and positive controls were applied topically on triplicate tissues and incubated at room temperature for 15 minutes (± 1 minute). At the end of the treatment period, each tissue was rinsed with D-PBS and incubated for 42 hours at +37°C, 5% CO2 in a humidified incubator. The cell viability was then assessed by means of the colourimetric MTT reduction assay.

Relative viability values were calculated for each tissue and expressed as a percentage of the mean viability of the negative control tissues which was set at 100% (as reference viability).

 

Results

Preliminary tests

In the preliminary tests, the test item was neither found to have direct MTT reducing properties, nor colouring potential.

 

Main test

All acceptance criteria were fulfilled. The study was therefore considered to be valid.

 

Following the 15-minute exposure and the 42-hour recovery period, the relative mean viability of the tissues treated with the test item was 119% with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 14%. As the mean viability was > 50% after the MTT reduction,the results met the criteria for a non-irritant response.

 

Conclusion

Under the experimental conditions of this study, the test item is considered to be non-irritant to skin.

Accordingly, the classification of the test item should be No Category (UN GHS and Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008).

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Eye irritation

Link to relevant study records

Reference

Endpoint:

eye irritation: in vitro / ex vivo

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Study period:

02 May 2019 - 15 May 2019

Reliability:

1 (reliable without restriction)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

OECD Guideline 437 (Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability Test Method for Identifying i) Chemicals Inducing Serious Eye Damage and ii) Chemicals Not Requiring Classification for Eye Irritation or Serious Eye Damage)

Version / remarks:

09 October 2017

Deviations:

no

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Species:

other: bovine cattle (Bos taurus)

Strain:

other: not applicable

Details on test animals or tissues and environmental conditions:

- Origin: bovine eyes were obtained from freshly slaughtered cattle at the abattoir EVA, Saint-Pierre-sur-Dives, France.
- Age: as French Authorities avoid the use of any organs from the head of bovines aged more than 12 months, bovine cattle were up to 12 months old (typically, 5 to 8 months old).
- Reason for choice: bovine corneas are recommended by Regulatory Authorities for this type of study. They are adapted for the evaluation of potential ocular irritants since they are part of the target organ.
- Transport from Supplier to Citoxlab France: the eyes were immerged in containers filled with cooled buffered Hanks medium and placed into a cooling-box with a sufficient amount of ice packs to ensure cooling until arrival at Citoxlab France. Containers with smooth internal surfaces were used for the transport to avoid damage to the corneas. Hank’s medium contained an antibiotic [Hank’s Balanced Salts Solution (HBSS) plus penicillin/streptomycin (100 units/100 µg/mL final)].

Upon arrival at Citoxlab France, the selection and preparation of corneas was performed as soon as possible. At each step of the preparation procedure, care was taken to avoid touching the corneas in order not to damage them.

- Selection: a careful macroscopic examination was performed on all eyes to detect the presence of any defects (opacity, scratches, pigmentation, etc). Any eyes with defects were discarded. The examination was performed under a lamp, using HBSS in order to keep the eyes moistened and shiny. Particular attention was paid to the corneas and the eyes were swiveled in order to observe the fringe areas and any scratches directly under the light.
- Preparation of the selected corneas: the tissues surrounding the eyeball were carefully pulled away and the cornea, surrounded by approximately 2 to 3 mm of sclera, was dissected out. The isolated corneas were stored in HBSS until all corneas had been prepared.
The corneas were used immediately.

Vehicle:

unchanged (no vehicle)

Controls:

yes, concurrent positive control

yes, concurrent negative control

Amount / concentration applied:

TEST MATERIAL
- Amount applied: 750 µL per cornea
- Concentration: undiluted

Duration of treatment / exposure:

Exposure period of 10 minutes (± 30 seconds), followed by rinsing

Observation period (in vivo):

Not applicable.

Duration of post- treatment incubation (in vitro):

2 hours (± 10 minutes)

Number of animals or in vitro replicates:

Triplicate corneas for each tested substance (test item, negative control, positive control).

Details on study design:

EYES SELECTION
The corneas were carefully examined macroscopically before their assembly in the holders, in order to detect the presence of any defects. Any eyes with defects were discarded. The corneas were then mounted in the corneal holders with the endothelial side against the O-ring of the posterior chamber. Each cornea was identified with the corresponding holder number. After pre-incubation, corneas that showed any macroscopic defect or an opacity value over 7 were discarded.

TREATMENT
The corneas from the same series were always processed in the same order at each step. The medium of the anterior chamber was removed and each item was applied onto the epithelium of the cornea for 10 minutes in a water bath at +32°C (± 1°C).

RINSING OF THE CORNEAS
The purpose of rinsing was to eliminate as much item as possible, while taking care not to damage the cornea. On completion of the treatment period, the test item and both negative and positive controls were removed from the front opening of the anterior chamber (open-chamber method) and the corneas were rinsed with pre-warmed cMEM containing phenol red. Rinsing of the test item-treated corneas was performed as follows:
. residual amounts of test item, adhering to the walls of the anterior chamber, were removed using a cotton bud and a pipette of heated cMEM (32°C),
. the corneas were rinsed six times with pre-warmed cMEM containing phenol red (i.e. until the test item had been completely removed from the chamber or until the phenol red was not discoloured).

Then, all corneas were finally rinsed with pre-warmed cMEM without phenol red.


SCORING SYSTEM
- Opacity:
An opacitometer was used to measure light transmission (i.e. the level of opacity) through the center of each mounted cornea.

The average change in opacity for the corneas treated with the negative control was calculated and this value was subtracted from the change in opacity for each cornea treated with the test item or the positive control to obtain a corrected opacity value (cOPT). The mean cOPT value of each series of three corneas was calculated from the individual corrected opacity values.

- Permeability:
After the second opacity measurement, the medium of the anterior chamber was removed and the anterior chamber received 1 mL of a fluorescein solution (4mg/mL) in a water bath at +32°C (± 1°C) for 90 minutes (± 5 minutes). At the end of incubation, the maximum volume of cMEM recoverable from the posterior chamber of each holder was transferred into an identified tube.

The corrected OD490 nm (cOD490 nm) value (i.e. permeability) for each cornea treated with the test item or the positive control was calculated by subtracting the average negative control cornea OD490 nm value from the original OD490 nm value of each cornea. The mean cOD490 nm value of each series of three corneas was calculated from the individual cOD490 nm values.

- Scoring:
In vitro irritancy score (IVIS) = cOPT + (15 x cOD490 nm)

Irritation parameter:

in vitro irritation score

Run / experiment:

mean

Value:

0

Vehicle controls validity:

not applicable

Negative controls validity:

valid

Positive controls validity:

valid

Other effects / acceptance of results:

OTHER EFFECTS (macroscopic examination):
Negative control and test item-treated corneas: None
Positive control-treated corneas: Opacity, fluorescein fixation and thickening of the corneas

ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA:
For the validation of an experiment, the following criteria had to be fulfilled:
. the mean In Vitro Irritancy Score (IVIS) of the positive control corneas should fall within two standard deviations of the historical mean,
. the mean opacity and mean OD490 nm of the negative control corneas should be less than the established upper limit of historical mean.

Interpretation of results:

GHS criteria not met

Remarks:

Not eye irritating

Conclusions:

Under the experimental conditions of this study, the test item was identified as not requiring classification for eye irritation or serious eye damage (UN GHS No Category).

Executive summary:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential irritant and corrosive properties of the test item to the eye. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test method can identify chemicals inducing serious eye damage and chemicals not requiring classification for eye irritation or serious eye damage.

The design of this study was based on the OECD Test Guideline No. 437 and the study was performed in compliance with Citoxlab France standard operating procedures and with the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice.

 

Method

Corneas obtained from freshly slaughtered calves were mounted in corneal holders. Both chambers of the corneal holder were filled with complemented MEM culture media (cMEM) and pre-incubated for 1 hour and 5 minutes (± 5 minutes) at +32°C.

A single experiment was performed using three corneas for each treated series (test item, positive control and negative control).

Before the treatment, a first opacity measurement was performed on each cornea using an opacitometer.

The test item was applied undiluted, using a treatment time of 10 minutes (± 30 seconds) and the open-chamber treatment method. Negative and positive controls were also applied using the same treatment time but thanks to the closed-chamber treatment method.

At the completion of the treatment period, all items were removed from the front opening of the anterior chamber and the epithelia were rinsed. The corneas were then incubated for 2 hours (± 10 minutes) at +32°C before a second opacity measurement was performed.

After the second opacity measurement, the medium of the anterior chamber was removed and filled with a fluorescein solution. The holders were then incubated vertically for 90 minutes (± 5 minutes) at +32°C.

At the end of the incubation period, the Optical Density of the solution from the posterior chamber of each holder was measured in order to determine the permeability of the cornea. Each cornea was then observed for opaque spots and other irregularities.

 

Results

Macroscopic examination

No notable opaque spots or irregularities were observed on the three test item-treated corneas.

In Vitro Irritancy Score

All acceptance criteria were fulfilled. The study was therefore considered as valid.

 

The mean In Vitro Irritancy Score (IVIS) of the test item-treated corneas was: 0.

As the mean IVIS was = 3, the test item was considered as a test chemical not requiring classification for eye irritation or serious eye damage (UN GHS No Category).

 

Conclusion

Under the experimental conditions of this study, the test item was identified as not requiring classification for eye irritation or serious eye damage (UN GHS No Category).

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no adverse effect observed (not irritating)

Respiratory irritation

Endpoint conclusion

Endpoint conclusion:

no study available

Additional information

In vitro skin irritation study (2019)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the skin irritation potential of the test item, Reaction products of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, ethoxylated and methacrylic acid, using the EpiskinTM reconstructed human epidermis model. The study design was based upon international guidelines (OECD Test Guideline No. 439 and Commission Regulation (EC) No. 761/2009, B.46).

 In the preliminary tests, the test item was neither found to have direct MTT reducing properties, nor colouring potential.

Following the 15-minute exposure and the 42-hour recovery period, the relative mean viability of the tissues treated with the test item was 119% with a Standard Deviation (SD) of 14%. As the mean viability was > 50% after the MTT reduction,the results met the criteria for a non-irritant response.

Under the experimental conditions of this study, the test item is considered to be non-irritant to skin.

 

Ex vivo eye irritation study (2019)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential irritant and corrosive properties of the test item to the eye. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) test method can identify chemicals inducing serious eye damage and chemicals not requiring classification for eye irritation or serious eye damage. The design of this study was based on the OECD Test Guideline No. 437.

No notable opaque spots or irregularities were observed on the three test item-treated corneas.

The mean In Vitro Irritancy Score (IVIS) of the test item-treated corneas was: 0.

As the mean IVIS was = 3, the test item was considered as not eye irritant.

Justification for classification or non-classification

Based on the available data, no classification for skin or eye irritation is required for Reaction products of 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, ethoxylated and methacrylic acid according to the Regulation EC 1272/2008.