A comparative study of ALI and semi-ALI exposure system for assessing respiratory sensitization

Respiratory sensitization to various inhaled substances remains a significant occupational and environmental health concern. In vitro models that mimic the human respiratory tract provide valuable insights into cellular responses to airborne exposures. However, the choice of exposure system that simulate inhalation processes is crucial for assessing the effect of respiratory sensitizers on lungs cells as it can significantly influence the results. This study aims to compare three exposure systems: full Air-Liquid Interface (ALI) exposure using Vitrocell® Cloud systems, semi-ALI exposure using the TECAN D300e Liquid Dispenser, and conventional semi-ALI exposure. Specifically, the dose-response curves for piperazine and chloramine T, established positive controls for respiratory sensitization, were used to evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of each system.