Abich laboratories use state-of-the-art techniques and instruments in order to provide a wide range of tests and services in the cell biology, analytical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and physical analysis fields.
Cell biology and toxicology
ABICH’s cell biology and toxicology laboratory performs in-vitro safety and efficacy tests on specific cell lines and in-vitro reconstructed human tissue, as an alternative to animal testing. The many available protocols allow to test raw materials and consumer products such as cosmetics, medical devices, and textiles, in line with OECD’s guidelines, ISO standard and GLP.
The staff of the cell biology department is also at the customers’ disposal to develop tailored experimental protocols and to identify specific in-vitro models which allow to test samples according to their specific properties and applications. Chemical and microbiological analysis can be performed in-house, which allows to carry out multidisciplinary experiments.
Chemistry
Over the years, ABICH’s chemical laboratory has developed specific analytical procedures and protocols for quality control on raw materials, finished cosmetic products, materials in contact with food, toys, etc., in line with current regulations.
ABICH can provide accurate analysis thanks to cutting-edge systems like HPLC, Ultra-HPLC, GC-MS, and ICP-OES.
Besides routine testing, the laboratory can develop customised protocols performing integrated testing across different sectors, such as percutaneous absorption studies and stability tests.
Molecular biology
The molecular biology laboratory is the meeting place for the most innovative testing methods on cosmetics and the scientific research carried out by the research and development division, which participate in numerous scientific projects.
The competences of the laboratory include next-generation sequencing methods for the study of new ‘omics’ (miRNomes, transcriptomes, etc.), real-time PCR systems, and in-vitro studies on the effect of specific molecules on genes.
Microbiology
The microbiology laboratory provides services on cosmetic finite products and raw materials, on drugs and Cannabis for the quantification, research, and identification of specific microorganisms, as well as challenge tests, assessment analysis of the antibacterial activity and mutagenesis testing.
Physical testing
The physical testing laboratory uses direct or indirect measurement of physical quantities to test the efficacy of cosmetic products and medical devices or raw materials. Examples of in-vitro tests performed in the laboratory are: gravimetric testing of mucoadhesive capacities, dynamometric measurements of human hair to quantify changes in the resistance to breakage or comb friction and more.
Clinical testing
The clinical testing division of Abich laboratories focuses on the tolerability and efficacy testing on healthy volunteers for cosmetics designed to be in contact with skin, cutaneous annexes, external mucosae, eyes, eyelashes, hair, and nails.
All tests are performed under the supervision of dermatologists, allergists, and other medical specialists.
Tailor-made study protocols are available to support any claim.
Thanks to the expertise and competences gained in our laboratories, Abich can develop in-vitro tests and chemical analysis procedures to meet customers’ needs.