Alternatives to animal testing in toxicology encompass a variety of methods, including:
In vitro testing: These are laboratory-based techniques using cells or tissues to study the toxic effects of substances. In vitro methods can provide detailed information about cellular responses and mechanisms of toxicity.
Computer modeling (in silico methods): These involve the use of computational techniques to simulate biological processes and predict the toxicological effects of substances. Such models can analyze large datasets quickly and provide insights into potential human responses.
High-throughput screening: This involves rapidly testing thousands of compounds simultaneously using automated processes, which can quickly identify toxic effects and biological activities.
Organs-on-chips: These are microfluidic devices that simulate the physiological response of human organs. They provide a more accurate representation of human biology than traditional cell cultures.
Toxicogenomics: This field studies how genomes respond to toxic exposures and helps in understanding mechanisms of action, identifying biomarkers, and predicting toxicity.
