Development of an In Vitro Model for the Assessment of Placental Transport: A Tiered Testing Strategy

**Please note that during this seminar we will be filming content for a promo video for the Toxicology MSc**

Traditional Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology (DART) assessments rely heavily on animal models to evaluate potential risks to foetal development. While these approaches have provided valuable insights, they often face limitations and species-specific relevance, scalability, and alignment with modern ethical considerations. Emerging alternative methods, including in vitro systems and computational modelling, aim to improve predictive accuracy while reducing reliance on animal testing. The placenta is a remarkable biological organ, orchestrating the delicate exchange between maternal and foetal systems. Yet, understanding its transport mechanisms remains a challenge in predictive toxicology and drug development.

This presentation will introduce a tiered testing strategy for developing an in vitro model that mimics placental transport dynamics with more accuracy and reproducibility than animal models. By integrating advanced cellular models, co-culture and machine learning my project aims to enhance predictions of substance transfer across the placental barrier. With a strong focus on efficiency, translational relevance, and alignment with the 3Rs principle, this strategy represents a step forward in refining early screening tools for safety assessment.