Cytotoxicity and In Vivo Biosafety Studies of the Poly(alkylphenol) Derivatives as Vulcanizing Agents

Abstract

In this research, studies of mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo biological safety of compounded rubber samples that contained various novel vulcanizing agents derived from poly(alkylphenol) disulfide were investigated to evaluate the possibility of clinical application. From tensile test results, every compounded rubber sample showed improved elongation properties compared to the reference. In MTT and ALP assays, every compounded rubber sample showed non-cytotoxic levels compared to the control sample containing inorganic sulfur as the vulcanizing agent. The cell viability and activity were comparable to those of the control sample even at extract concentrations up to 10%. In the animal model test, no compounded rubber sample showed any other biological response during implantation for 4 weeks, and the skin sensitization test results indicated lack of sensitivity response (Grades 0 and I).