Optimization of RPMI 2650 Cells as a Model for Nasal Mucosa

In the past few years, a human nasal epithelial cell line derived from septum carcinoma (RPMI 2650) has been proposed as a potential in vitro model for screening nasally delivered drugs. However, these studies have left some unanswered questions in terms of the validation of the in vitro model. In particular, no clear agreement was found with respect to several parameters, such as the seeding density, the time for switching cell culture from liquid covered culture (LCC) to air liquid interface (ALI) conditions, or the day at which cell cultures have to be used for transport experiments, when these cells are cultured in vitro. Hence, the aim of this study was to expand on the previous in vitro cell models to better define the fundamental parameters to be used as a tool for studying drug deposition and transport through the nasal mucosa.