Anhydrous sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles: Evaluating their impact on protein interactions in biological systems

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis of anhydrous sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using a hydrothermal route. The chemical properties of the synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles were confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV–Vis spectroscopy, highlighting their optical features. Additionally, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer (EDX) analysis revealed the high purity of the nanomaterial, while the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) displayed spherical particles ranging in size from ≥ 80 nm. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Raman and HRTEM analyses indicated that the nanomaterial exhibits an anatase and rutile structure. When, Hen Egg-White Lysozyme (HEWL) incubated with TiO2 led to notable changes: reduced fluorescence indicating protein unfolding, increased light scattering showing protein aggregation, the presence of amyloid fibrils and hydrophobic regions, and reduced enzyme activity. FTIR spectroscopy revealed amyloid structure formation, while Dynamic Light Scattering confirmed the presence of larger protein oligomers. These findings highlight TiO2's adverse impact on HEWL structure and function, emphasizing the need for further research on nanoparticle toxicity in biological systems, particularly in biomedical applications.