2 Ecotoxicity assays and imaging

Automated imaging and video analysis are applied to study the effects of exposure to single chemicals, mixtures and environmental samples using the fish embryo, non-mammalian cell lines and microalgae. In the zebrafish embryo a critical step is an unbiased observer-independent assessment. We use imaging systems for an automated feature analysis based on sampling of embryos from a microplate, transfers to a capillary, and subsequent bright field or fluorescence imaging in defined positions. Changes in embryonic behavior based on video analysis intend to identify compounds with potential acute and developmental neurotoxicity. Cell painting (high content imaging after staining with fluorescence dyes) is applied as alternative testing methods for hazard assessment of environmental-relevant species (e.g., fish, amphibians, reptiles, insects). T odiagnose different modes of action for autotrophic organisms, the photosynthetic capacity and fluorescence are evaluated in the microalgae Scenedesmus vaculolatus using a Maxi-IPAM fluorometer. Flow cytometry is applied to quantify cell densities and size distributions as well as subpopulations with specific fluorescence characteristics.

Application: High content phenotype assessment in fish embryos, non-mammalian cells and algae
 

Selected literature references
 

Rummel, C. D., Schafer, H., Jahnke, A., Arp, H. P. H., Schmitt-Jansen, M., 2022. "Effects of leachates from UV-weathered microplastic on the microalgae Scenedesmus vacuolatus." Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 414, 1469-1479.

Nöth, J., Busch, W., Tal, T., Lai, C., Ambekar, A., Kießling, T., Scholz, S., 2024. "Analysis of vascular disruption in zebrafish embryos as an endpoint to predict developmental toxicity." Archives of Toxicology 98, 537–554.

Gutsfeld, S.; … Klüver, N.; Busch, W.; Scholz, S.; Schor, J.; Tal, T., "Investigation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Genes as Requirements for Visual Startle Response Hyperactivity in Larval Zebrafish Exposed to Structurally Similar Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)." Environmental Health Perspectives 2024, 132, 077007; DOI doi:10.1289/EHP13667.