Preclinical Toxicity Screening of Sodium Dodecanoyloxybenzenesulfonate ( LOBS ) as a New Alternative Biocide Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models

Sodium hypochlorite is a well-established biocide extensively used in both living and industrial environments; however, exposure to it or improper handling can harm the human body and the environment. Thus, safer alternatives to sodium hypochlorite are required. Therefore, the objective of this research was to assess the genotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, 2-week repeated-dose toxicity studies (oral, dermal), and acute irritation/corrosion of sodium dodecanoyloxybenzenesulfonate (LOBS), a new alternative biocide in various biological systems. LOBS did not show genotoxic or cardiotoxic effects in the bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosomal aberration test, or hERG assay. Both males and females showed an increase in U-Na levels (p < 0.01), while an increase in focus/foci, thickness in the stomach, and discoloration was observed in the thymus of males during the 2-week repeated oral-dose toxicity study. In the 2-week repeated dermal-dose toxicity study, no significant adverse effects were observed. While mild erythema and edema were observed in all animals during the acute dermal irritation/corrosion study, all the animals recovered. During the acute eye irritation/corrosion study, all animals showed mild corneal clouding, conjunctival redness, and conjunctival chemosis; however, all animals recovered. Moreover, LOBS was classified into category 3 (mild irritant) and category 2A (irritant) in the acute dermal and eye irritation/corrosion studies. Therefore, LOBS should be further developed as a potential alternative biocide to sodium hypochlorite.