Characterization of the Vitrocell® 24/48 aerosol exposure system for its use in exposures to liquid aerosols. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steiner, Sandro; Majeed, Shoaib; Kratzer, Gilles; Vuillaume, Grégory; Hoeng, Julia; Frentzel, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Toxicology in vitro. Volume 42(2017)
• Page Start: 263
• Page End: 272
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: APS Aerodynamic Particle Sizer -- CFP Cambridge Filter Pad -- CMAG Condensation Monodisperse Aerosol Generator -- CV Coefficient of Variation -- DSF Disodium Fluorescein -- e-cigarettes Electronic Cigarettes -- GSD Geometric Standard Deviation -- GVP Gas-Vapor Phase -- PBS Phosphate Buffered Saline -- QCM Quartz Crystal Microbalance -- SD Standard Deviation -- SMPS Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer -- VC24/48 Vitrocell® 24/48 aerosol exposure system -- WS Whole Smoke -- η delivery efficiency -- ηcorr dilution corrected delivery efficiency; Aerosol exposure system -- Vitrocell -- Exposure characterization; Toxicity testing -- In vitro -- Periodicals; Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2017.04.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-2333

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The Vitrocell® 24/48 is an advanced aerosol exposure system that has been widely used and characterized for exposure studies of cigarette smoke, but not for exposure to liquid aerosols with a low gas-vapor phase content such as the ones generated by electronic cigarettes. An experimental system characterization for this specific application was therefore performed. Methods: Glycerol model aerosols of different particle size distributions, produced by a condensation monodisperse aerosol generator, were used for exposing small volumes of phosphate-buffered saline in the Vitrocell® 24/48. Disodium fluorescein, added as a tracer in the aerosol, allowed the exact aerosol mass deposition to be quantified fluorometrically. Results: The aerosol mass delivery efficiency within the system showed variations in the range of ± 25%. Aerosol dilution was not fully reflected in aerosol delivery, the achieved aerosol delivery should therefore be determined experimentally. Quartz crystal microbalances underestimated the deposition of liquid aerosols. Unequal delivery of particles of different sizes was detectable, although this effect is unlikely to be relevant under applied experimental conditions. Conclusions: The Vitrocell® 24/48 aerosol exposure system can be used for exposures to liquid aerosols, such as those generated by electronic cigarettes. However, our results indicate that, compared with aerosol studies of cigarettes, a higher variability is to be expected. Highlights: Aerosol delivery in the Vitrocell 24/48 aerosol exposure system was characterized. The system is suitable for liquid aerosols like the ones generated by e-cigarettes. Empirical determination of aerosol delivery is recommended for each new aerosol type. Quartz crystal microbalances are not suited for monitoring liquid aerosol deposition.