Micronucleus Test – OECD 487

The micronucleus test is a reference in vitro method for assessing the genotoxic potential of a substance. Under the OECD Guideline 487, it detects chromosomal abnormalities induced in mammalian cells by identifying the formation of micronuclei resulting from DNA breaks or mitotic spindle abnormalities.

This test is essential in the regulatory assessment of the safety of chemical substances, particularly in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food and industrial chemistry sectors.

Purpose of the test

The micronucleus test aims to:

• Determining whether a substance or ingredient is mutagenic or clastogenic
• Identify irreversible chromosomal damage induced by in vitro exposures
• Meet the safety requirements of regulatory authorities (REACH, cosmetics regulations, CLP, etc.)
• Complete a battery of genotoxicity tests (Ames test, chromosomal aberration test, etc.)

Principle of the OECD 487 method

The test is performed in vitro on mammalian cells (most often human lymphoblastic or epithelial cells). The cells are exposed to different concentrations of the test substance, in the presence or absence of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix).

After exposure, cells are blocked in mitosis to facilitate the identification of micronuclei , small nuclei containing chromosomal fragments or entire chromosomes not incorporated into the main nucleus.

Expected results :

• Quantification of cells with micronuclei
• Detection of potential genotoxicity
• Classification of the tested substance as genotoxic or not

Affected matrices

• Cosmetic ingredients (plant extracts, preservatives, active ingredients, etc.)
• Chemical substances (solvents, polymers, excipients, etc.)
• Experimental drugs or galenic formulations
• Natural or biotechnology products

Related techniques

• Cell culture under sterile conditions
• Treatment with or without metabolic activation
• Specific staining (Giemsa, DAPI, etc.)
• Microscopy or cytometry for detection of micronuclei

Why YesWeLab?

YesWeLab puts you in touch with laboratories specializing in genetic toxicology , with the equipment and know-how necessary to carry out the OECD 487 test. Our partners comply with good laboratory practices (GLP/BPL) , are ISO 17025 certified , and have recognized experience in regulatory analyses.

You benefit from personalized scientific support to choose the right parameters (exposure duration, metabolic activation, concentrations), obtain usable results and build your safety or regulatory declaration files .

See also:

• Ames Test (OECD 471)

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