Evaluating the toxicity of fabric extracts using the hepa-1 cytotoxicity test, the HaCaT cytotoxicity test and the spermatozoa motility inhibition test

Abstract

To detect the possible toxicity of dyed and finished fabrics, a set of such fabrics was investigated using three different cell tests – the hepa-1 cytotoxicity test, the HaCaT cytotoxicity test and the spermatozoa motility-inhibition test. In each case, cells were exposed to fabric extracts. In cytotoxicity tests, after 72 h, exposure cell growth was measured using the protein content in the wells/vials as an indicator: if the protein content in the wells was less than 80%, the test showed toxicity of the fabric extract. The spermatozoa motility-inhibition test shows toxicity if at least 25% of the cells are dead when the viability of the cells is detected under light microscopy. The results showed that none of the extracts from raw fabrics was toxic. Extracts from the vat-dyed, flame-retardant fabric showed low toxicity in the spermatozoa test, but not in other cell tests. Extracts from most of the reactive-dyed knitted fabrics showed toxic values after finishing. However, it can be concluded that reactive dyes do not usually produce adverse effects. After dyeing with reactive dyes, extracts from the bleached fabric were no longer toxic. This study showed that the cell tests were useful when examining the toxicity of extracts from textile substances.