Cytotoxic, biochemical and genotoxic effects of biodiesel produced by different routes on ZFL cell line

•Effects of ethylic (BdEt) and methylic (BdMt) biodiesel on ZFL cells were compared.•Both Bd increased ROS production, GST activity and DNA damage.•BdMt showed higher cytotoxicity (MTT assay) than BdEt.•BdMT caused oxidative damage (come assay with endonucleases) to the DNA.•Biodiesel effects on ZFL depend on its production route. Transesterification has proved to be the best option for obtaining biodiesel and, depending on the type of alcohol used in the reaction, the type of biodiesel may be methyl ester or ethyl ester. Leaking biodiesel can reach water bodies, contaminating aquatic organisms, particularly fish. The objective of this study was to determine whether the soluble fraction of biodiesel (Bd), produced by both the ethylic (BdEt) and methylic (BdMt) routes, can cause cytotoxic, biochemical and genotoxic alterations in the hepatocyte cell line of Danio rerio (ZFL). The metabolic activity of the cell was quantified by the MTT reduction method, while genotoxic damage was analyzed by the comet assay with the addition of specific endonucleases. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant/biotransformation enzymes activity also were determined. The results indicate that both Bd increased ROS production, glutathione S-transferase activity and the occurrence of DNA damage. BdMt showed higher cytotoxicity than BdEt, and also caused oxidative damage to the DNA. In general, both Bd appear to be stressors for the cells, causing cytotoxic, biochemical and genetic alterations in ZFL cells, but the type and intensity of the changes found appear to be dependent on the biodiesel production route.