Micronucleus Test – OECD 487

The micronucleus test is a reference in vitro method for assessing the genotoxic potential of a substance. Guided by OECD guideline 487, it detects induced chromosomal abnormalities 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 chemical sectors.

Test objective

The micronucleus test aims to:

• Determine if a substance or ingredient is mutagenic or clastogenic
• Identifying irreversible chromosomal damage induced by in vitro exposures
• Meeting the safety requirements of regulatory authorities (REACH, cosmetics regulation, CLP…)
• Complete a battery of genotoxicity tests (Ames test, chromosomal aberration test…)

OECD Method Principle 487

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 substance being tested, with or without a metabolic activation system (S9 mix).

After exposure, the cells are blocked in mitosis to promote 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…)
• Chemical substances (solvents, polymers, excipients…)
• Experimental drugs or pharmaceutical formulations
• Natural products or products derived from biotechnology

Related techniques

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

Why YesWeLab?

YesWeLab connects you with laboratories specializing in genetic toxicology , equipped with the necessary equipment and expertise to perform the OECD 487 test. Our partners comply with good laboratory practices (GLP) , 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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