Streaming media has been in use on the internet for over 10 years.  Intially the technology bar to edit, digitize and strem video was high.  Individuals and companies who wanted their video or movie viewable online had to purchase expensive software or outsource the production of the file and then employ the services of a streaming media hosting companies. 

Nowadays it is much easier thanks to the YouTube and the makers of video cameras.  With a camera costing around $500, an external microphone and good lighting, anyone can make a video of their product or service.  The simplest approach is to limit editing by shooting a demonstration of your product or conversation about your service.  As long as the content is meaningful, your customer will not care if you make a mistake or two in delivery.

Once the video is complete and digitally saved, simply upload it to YouTube.  Their site accepts many formats of video files and converts it to their FLV format, so don’t worry too much about the file type until a problem arises.  YouTube has many features including indexing the video (i.e. separating it in chapters) to make it easier for the viewers.  Within YouTube, it is important to add a title and description that includes keywords that will online searchers find the video.  A link from your company’s website can also be added to the video on YouTube.  Since it is becoming quite common for companies to make use of YouTube to host video content, online viewers of your website will be quite used to be redirected to YouTube.

I followed the above steps and was able to post multiple videos in the same day.  Already clients have responded that is much easier to understand how we conduct testing after watching our testing demonstrations posted on YouTube.  It also has increased our visibility on line for search engines.  What have your experiences been like with online video?

Jim Verzuh, Director of Marketing

At BioScience Laboratories, Inc., we currently use EpiOcular and EpiDerm tissue models in ocular and dermal irritation studies, respectively, performed according to the MTT Effective Time-50 viable cell assay.  The EpiOcular viable cell assay is designed to provide both a Draize and a potential ocular irritation score.  The EpiDerm viable cell assay is designed to provide a potential dermal irritation score only.  These testing methods are becoming increasingly popular as a move is made toward replacing animal testing with an in-vitro means of evaluation.  We have successfully used these models to test a wide range of products: cosmetics (liquids, powders, gels, mascaras or creams at multiple concentrations), personal care products, household products (cleaners, inks, shaver heads, etc.), pharmaceutical products, and surfactant-based products tested at a concentration of 10% to simulate “rinse-off” exposures (general use hand soaps and detergents) utilizing both of these methods.

Additionally, other testing methods have also been developed using the EpiDerm tissue model.  These other testing methods are conducted in ways very similar to the dermal irritation method and are also performed at BioScience Laboratories:

Dermal corrosion testing measures the production of scarring usually as a result of corrosive tissue destruction (necrosis) following the application of a substance (irreversible).  The potential for chemically-induced dermal corrosion is an important consideration in establishing procedures for the safe handling, packing, and transport of chemicals.

Dermal phototoxicity testing identifies the existence or absence of possible hazards likely to arise from a test substance in association with exposure to UV and visible light.  A typical application is testing the phototoxicity of new sunscreen product formulations while in development to identify chemicals that might induce adverse skin reactions.

Percutaneous absorption testing uses various EpiDerm kits to calculate the permeability coefficient of a test article.  Also, this is the underlying technology used in transdermal drug delivery studies.

Looking towards the future, BioScience Laboratories is developing test methods to make use of the other tissue models available from the manufacturer of the EpiOcular and EpiDerm models. 

MelanoDerm is the model of choice in tissue testing procedures useful as an in-vitro means to evaluate cosmetic and pharmaceutical agents designed to modulate skin pigmentation and usually involves topical application of skin lighteners or self-tanning agents.

EpiAirway is the model of choice in tissue testing procedures for gas phase exposure of volatile articles for airway inflammation and irritancy studies.  These methods also allow the measurement of transepithelial permeability for inhaled drug delivery studies.

EpiOral is the model of choice in tissue testing procedures which enable the in-vitro study of irritation, oral pathologies, and basic oral cavity phenomena.  Some companies have also used this model to grow commensal and pathogenic bacteria in order to study their effects on the oral tissues.

Dendritic/Langerhans cells can be used to develop in-vitro assays for contact sensitization and other immunological reactions of the body.

As you look to develop new products and differentiate them within the marketplace, which of these tissue models are most attractive to your company to use in product testing?  How important is it to your customers that products are tested without harming animals?

Jessica McDonnell-Philipp, In-Vitro Laboratory Study Director