3D Modeling of Cells of the Human Respiratory System for Studying the Prooxidant, Proapoptotic, and Profibrinogenic Effects of Carbon Nanotubes

The concept of “3Rs” (refinement, reduction, and replacement) has become widespread in toxicological studies. 3D cell models are a further development of traditional 2D models. In the current study, 3D models of the human respiratory system consisting of BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cells and MRC5-SV40 lung fibroblasts are developed. The results of studying the toxicity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using advanced 3D models demonstrate the absence of proapoptotic and profibrogenic effects at concentrations corresponding to the reference exposure level. However, starting at a CNT concentration of 20 μg/mL, well above concentrations corresponding to the reference exposure level, signs of oxidative stress are detected in the cell models. 3D cell models can be recommended as a more objective screening method for assessing the toxicity of CNTs when moving from traditional in vitro experiments to in vivo studies.