PCL In Vitro and In Vivo Testing
BOC Sciences is committed to providing comprehensive testing services for polycaprolactone (PCL) and its microsphere formulations in the fields of medical aesthetics, cosmetics, and biomedicine. Our in vitro (cell platform) and in vivo (animal platform) testing solutions offer multi-level product evaluations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of PCL microspheres across various applications. In vitro testing utilizes the cell platform to simulate real biological environments, assessing key parameters such as cell compatibility, toxicity, and drug release. In contrast, in vivo testing leverages the animal platform for in-depth evaluations of biodistribution, degradability, immune responses, and therapeutic efficacy, delivering more precise preclinical data. These testing services provide clients with reliable scientific evidence to accelerate the research, development, and commercialization of PCL microsphere formulations.
Challenges in PCL Testing? BOC Sciences Has the Solutions!
Predicting Microsphere Degradation Behavior
PCL features a slow-degrading nature, and its degradation behavior differs significantly between in vitro and in vivo environments, affecting drug efficacy control. BOC Sciences addresses this by combining long-term release models, enzyme degradation simulations, and in-tissue tracking experiments to comprehensively evaluate the degradation kinetics of microspheres.
In Vivo Distribution and Targeting of Microspheres
Traditional imaging technologies struggle to clearly capture the dynamic in vivo distribution of microspheres, hindering targeting evaluations. BOC Sciences utilizes fluorescence labeling, radiotracers, and small animal imaging systems to enable visualized and dynamic monitoring of microsphere migration and distribution in vivo.
Cytocompatibility and Toxicity Evaluation
Cells derived from different tissues show varying responses to PCL microspheres, and a unified evaluation standard is lacking. BOC Sciences has established a comprehensive testing system with multiple human and animal-derived cell models, offering structured assessments for cytotoxicity, proliferation, and inflammatory response.
Duration and Reproducibility of Animal Experiments
In vivo studies are prone to physiological interference, which can reduce reproducibility and stability, affecting product evaluation efficiency. BOC Sciences enhances data consistency and reproducibility through standardized animal model construction and regulated experimental procedures.
Difficulty in Evaluating Microsphere Pharmacokinetics
Uneven drug release rates from microspheres make it difficult to accurately assess blood drug concentrations and tissue exposure. BOC Sciences has established a high-sensitivity LC-MS/MS platform and integrated sampling and analysis to achieve precise pharmacokinetic evaluation of microsphere-based drug delivery systems in vivo.
Mechanism Validation of Functional Microspheres
Some functional microspheres involve complex mechanisms such as immune modulation and anti-inflammation, which cannot be clearly validated by traditional methods. BOC Sciences supports mechanism studies by offering services such as ELISA for inflammatory factors, immune co-culture systems, and cell signaling pathway analysis.
In Vitro Testing Services Based on Cell Platforms
Relying on its advanced cell biology experimental platform, BOC Sciences provides systematic in vitro evaluation services for the development of PCL and its microsphere formulations. Through multidimensional and multi-model experimental designs, we help clients quickly determine biocompatibility, safety, and functionality during early material development, thus effectively shortening R&D cycles and reducing failure risks before animal testing.
Cytotoxicity and Cell Viability Assays
Cytotoxicity testing is a key step in preliminary material screening and safety assessment. BOC Sciences applies multiple internationally recognized methods to ensure comprehensiveness and comparability of results, including:
- MTT assay, CCK-8 assay
- Live/Dead staining (FDA/PI double staining)
- LDH release assay
Cell Proliferation and Adhesion Assays
PCL materials must not only be safe and non-toxic but also support normal cell behavior. We can perform assessments for the following parameters:
- EdU/BrdU proliferation labeling
- Cell adhesion/spreading capability
- Scratch wound and Transwell migration assays
Evaluation of Biodegradation Byproducts
PCL degrades slowly in vivo, producing mainly ε-caprolactone monomers and medium-short-chain fatty acids, which are theoretically biocompatible but still require validation in real formulations. BOC Sciences offers:
- Artificial degradation system simulation (PBS, esterase combination)
- Cytotoxicity analysis of degradation solution
- ROS (reactive oxygen species) and GSH (glutathione) detection
- Caspase-3/7 activity assay
Controlled Release Performance Analysis
For PCL microspheres loaded with active molecules (e.g., antioxidants, peptides, vitamins, drugs), BOC Sciences provides comprehensive in vitro controlled release evaluations, including:
- Release kinetics monitoring (HPLC, UV, LC-MS/MS)
- Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading measurement
- Component stability analysis
- Functionality testing integrated with cell models
Inflammatory and Immune Response Testing
In aesthetic fillers and tissue repair products, immune response control is critical. BOC Sciences utilizes cell models to evaluate whether PCL microspheres induce adverse inflammatory responses:
- Macrophage activation assays (RAW264.7/THP-1)
- Inflammatory factor detection (ELISA/qPCR)
- Toll-like receptor (TLRs) signaling pathway activation
- Expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α)
In Vivo Testing Services Based on Animal Platforms
After preliminary screening through in vitro tests, BOC Sciences offers deeper in vivo evaluation through its animal platform to simulate the real biological performance of PCL and its microsphere formulations. These animal models effectively reflect material metabolism, distribution, degradation, functional efficacy, and potential biocompatibility issues in the human body, helping clients prepare for final clinical trials.
Animal Models for Skin Repair and Regeneration
In medical aesthetics and dermatology applications, PCL microspheres are widely used for localized drug delivery and promotion of skin repair and regeneration. BOC Sciences provides animal platforms to assess the effects of PCL microspheres in skin healing, suitable for trauma repair, burn treatment, and anti-aging applications.
- Mouse skin injury model
- Rat skin injury and drug release evaluation
- Skin organoid models
Immunogenicity and Allergic Reaction Assessment
The immune response to PCL materials in various animals is a critical factor in material development. BOC Sciences' animal models can simulate immune responses to PCL and its microsphere formulations, including acute, chronic, and allergic reactions.
- Immune response assessment in mice or rats
- Skin allergy models
- Immunohistochemistry analysis
Tissue Distribution and Biodegradability Evaluation
Biodegradability and in vivo distribution of PCL microspheres are key characteristics for their application in biomedical materials. BOC Sciences performs accurate in vivo analyses to assess degradation rates, tissue impacts of degradation products, and microsphere distribution.
- In vivo distribution studies in mice and rats
- Degradation product analysis
- Degradation rate and biodegradability of PCL microspheres
Systemic Toxicity and Multi-Organ Damage Assessment
For clinical-grade PCL microsphere formulations, BOC Sciences provides comprehensive systemic toxicity evaluations. Through long-term animal studies, we detect whether microsphere formulations cause damage to non-target organs.
- Acute toxicity and LD50 tests
- Multi-organ damage assessment
- Pathological analysis
Advanced Animal and Cell Platforms for In Vitro and In Vivo Testing
BOC Sciences possesses advanced animal and cell platforms. Our cell platform employs cutting-edge cell culture technologies that simulate real biological environments to conduct functional evaluations such as cell compatibility, toxicity, and drug release. Through the application of various cell lines, we can assess the cellular uptake, metabolic processes, and biological impacts of PCL microspheres on different cell types, ensuring their safety and efficacy in the biomedical field. Meanwhile, BOC Sciences' animal platform utilizes various animal models such as mice and rats to precisely evaluate the in vivo pharmacokinetics, immune response, degradation characteristics, and long-term biocompatibility of PCL microspheres. By integrating imaging, biochemical, and pathological analyses, we provide clients with comprehensive in vivo data to accelerate product development and clinical translation.
Cell Platforms
Fibroblast Cell Lines Keratinocyte Cell Lines Endothelial Cell Lines Immune Cell Lines Nerve Cell Lines Adipocyte Cell Lines
Animal Platforms
Mouse Models Rat Models Rabbit Models Pig Models Dog Models Monkey Models
Applications Supported by Our In Vivo and In Vitro Testing Services
BOC Sciences' in vivo and in vitro testing services offer comprehensive support for the study of PCL and its microsphere formulations, aiding their application across multiple fields. Through advanced cell platforms (in vitro testing) and animal platforms (in vivo testing), we can accurately assess the performance and safety of PCL microspheres in industries such as medical aesthetics, cosmetics, and biomedicine. These testing services not only assist clients in optimizing product design but also ensure compliance with industry standards, promoting innovative applications of PCL technology. Whether for skin repair, anti-aging, oil control, deep cleansing, or other fields, BOC Sciences provides reliable testing support, offering strong scientific validation for product development and helping clients accelerate market entry.
Medical Aesthetics
Supports the verification of the biosafety and preclinical efficacy of PCL microspheres in aesthetic products for facial filling, contour reshaping, collagen stimulation, and skin regeneration. Evaluates the degradation behavior and tissue responses after intradermal injection of the microspheres, providing robust data for regulatory compliance and market positioning.
Cosmetic Carriers
Assists in developing high-end skincare products based on PCL microspheres encapsulating active ingredients such as anti-aging, antioxidant, and whitening agents. Evaluates product performance through in vitro release and permeation testing, along with cytotoxicity and skin irritation assessments, enhancing scientific credibility and market competitiveness.
Cosmetic Sensory Modifiers
PCL microspheres, as sensory modifiers in cosmetics, can improve product texture and user experience. Their lightweight particles enhance spreadability and comfort, providing a silky feel and reducing greasiness, thereby improving application experience.
Drug Delivery Systems
Offers animal testing validation for drug sustained-release microsphere systems, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety analysis. Accelerates the preclinical development of new drug formulations, especially for long-acting injections, cancer treatment, and vaccine delivery.
Tissue Engineering Materials
Supports the performance validation of PCL-based scaffolds or composite microspheres for tissue regeneration (e.g., skin, bone, cartilage, tendons), including assessments of cell adhesion, growth, differentiation, and in vivo tissue integration and regeneration.
Biomedical Implants
Evaluates the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and long-term implantation safety of PCL materials used as medical implants (such as sutures, stents, and support devices).
Vaccine Delivery Systems
Due to their controlled degradability, PCL microspheres are suitable for sustained antigen delivery. Through in vivo pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity testing platforms, BOC Sciences can assist clients in validating the effectiveness of vaccine microsphere delivery systems in continuous immune activation and enhancement of immune memory, making them a key tool in next-generation vaccine formulation development.
Wound Dressings and Wound Repair
PCL microspheres can carry antimicrobials and growth factors for the preparation of smart wound dressings. BOC Sciences provides in vivo wound model testing, inflammatory factor detection, and wound healing rate evaluation services to validate dressing functionality.