Abstract: An vitro air-liquid interface (ALI) exposure of cultured cells makes it possible to examine the toxicological properties of the tested air. A method for evaluating effect of a polluting air stream comprises the steps of exposing cells to a membrane until adhesion of the cells has occurred, feeding cells periodically until there is a confluent monolayer of cells on said membranes, aspirating off non-adherent cells, applying fresh media, exposing the cells to over-head stream containing pollutants, removing the cells from the membranes that have been exposed to the over-head stream, then measuring the cells' response to toxins in the over-head stream.

Abstract: Electrostatic aerosol in vitro exposure systems and methods are disclosed and can be used for collecting and depositing particulate matter onto tissue without pre-concentration, and without any intermediate collection steps such as use in water or on a filter. The system can include an inlet configured to receive air containing particulate matter, a receptacle configured to hold one or more tissue samples, a porous membrane providing support for an air-liquid interface of the tissue sample, and an electrostatic precipitation area. Particulate matter contained in the air received at the inlet can be electrically charged in the electrostatic precipitation area and flowed over the tissue sample, where it can be collected and measured.