In vitro toxicity test of ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate, a tissue adhesive used in cardiovascular surgery, by fibroblast cell culture method

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of cyanoacrylate polymers ( ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate) by an elution test system. In such systems, the material is extracted with a cell culture medium, which is subsequently added onto cultured cells, resulting in an indirect contact between the biomaterial and cells. Methods: A cell line commonly utilized for cytotoxicity experiments; L929 mouse fibroblasts were used in this study. The effects of extract dilutions on cells were evaluated by two experiments: ( a) The cells were suspended and seeded in a medium containing the extract, followed by a short incubation to observe the effects on cell attachment; (b) cells were seeded in a normal medium. Following cell attachment, this was replaced with a medium containing the extract and long-term effects on cell proliferation were measured. The cytotoxicity was quantified using a cell viability assay, well established for use in the evaluation of cell - biomaterial interactions. Results: These results indicate that, in the test system utilized, a tenfold dilution of the extract results in an similar to 10% decrease in cells; this increases to between 30% and 45% in a 1: 1 dilution. When a large number of cells (3000/well) were used, proliferation of cells overcame the cytotoxic effect and consistent results could not be observed. Conclusions: In this study, the observed outcomes follow a similar trend on cell attachment and proliferation with acute effects ( 4 hours incubation) of the extracts on the cells, producing slightly higher toxicity. Our findings are parallel with the literature findings.