Work

Toxicological assessment of benzalkonium chloride using planaria mobility: A comparison of manual and digital tracking methods

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The principle of the 3Rs-Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement-encourages minimizing animal use, improving experimental design, and developing alternative models for toxicology testing. Among such models, planaria (aquatic flatworms) have gained increasing attention in pharmacology, regenerative medicine, and toxicology because of their simple anatomy, high environmental sensitivity, exceptional regenerative ability, and ease of laboratory maintenance. In this study, we examined the effects of benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-a commonly used pharmaceutical excipient with antimicrobial and permeability-enhancing properties, as well as a known environmental toxicant-on the locomotor activity of Schmidtea mediterranea using both manual assessment and Lolitrack video-tracking software. Six concentrations of BAC (5-1000 μg/mL) and a negative control were tested. Both approaches showed an overall reduction in locomotor activity over time, though manual analysis indicated a transient stimulation at lower concentrations. The software-based method demonstrated greater reliability, precision, and objectivity, making it preferable for toxicity evaluation in planaria.

Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology

DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2025.104850

Authors: Manel M. Habel, Adrian C. Williams, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy

Institution: University of Reading

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540