Assessment of the skin sensitisation hazard of functional polysiloxanes and silanes in the SENS-IS assay

Abstract

In the context of a larger testing programme that aimed at assessing the skin sensitisation potential of functional polysiloxanes and silanes, this investigation complements the available in vitro and in vivo data with data in the SENS-IS assay, a human in vitro 3D skin-based model. The SENS-IS assay allowed testing of all functional polysiloxanes and silanes without any solubility issues or limitations related to the multiconstituent nature of the commercial grade test substances. It appeared to encompass skin metabolism, a factor which we considered important for the skin sensitisation hazard assessment particularly of aminofunctionalised siloxanes and silanes. These three technical aspects posed significant challenges in the first part of the in vitro programme with the OECD-validated in vitro assays. The SENS-IS assay delivered promising results for this group of substances. On its own, it was the best performing model, as it did not pose any technical issues with the assay and it matched all in vivo outcomes. Considering its performance and avoidance of any limitations due to lack of solubility or chemical composition aspects, we concluded that the SENS-IS assay to be a suitable starting point for an integrated testing strategy for skin sensitisation for the group of functional polysiloxanes and silanes.