Abstract
The growing application of materials containing TiO2 particles has led to an increased risk of human exposure, while a gap in knowledge about the possible adverse effects of TiO2 still exists. In this work, TiO2 particles of rutile, anatase, and their commercial mixture were exposed to various environments, including simulated gastric fluids and human blood plasma (both representing in vivo conditions), and media used in in vitro experiments. Simulated body fluids of different compositions, ionic strengths, and pH were used, and the impact of the absence or presence of chosen enzymes was investigated. The physicochemical properties and agglomeration of TiO2 in these media were determined. The time dependent agglomeration of TiO2 related to the type of TiO2, and mainly to the type and composition of the environment that was observed. The presence of enzymes either prevented or promoted TiO2 agglomeration. TiO2 was also observed to exhibit concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. This knowledge about TiO2 behavior in all the abovementioned environments is critical when TiO2 safety is considered, especially with respect to the significant impact of the presence of proteins and size-related cytotoxicity.
Highlights
Due to its favorable properties, such as good biocompatibility, outstanding stability, high refractive index, corrosion resistance, and low-cost production, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is recognized to be one of the most interesting nanomaterials
TiO2 particles of rutile, anatase, and their commercial mixture were exposed to various environments, including simulated gastric fluids and human blood plasma, and media used in in vitro experiments
Titanium dioxide is widely used in various products, which necessitates a deep understanding of its impact on human health
Summary
Due to its favorable properties, such as good biocompatibility, outstanding stability, high refractive index, corrosion resistance, and low-cost production, titanium dioxide (TiO2) is recognized to be one of the most interesting nanomaterials. This nanomaterial is widely used as a white pigment in paints, sunscreens, cosmetics, toothpaste, and foods. TiO2 exists in three main crystalline forms, rutile (tetragonal), anatase (tetragonal), and, more rarely, brookite (orthorhombic). The biological properties of TiO2 NPs are related to their form, and to other physicochemical properties such as particle size, specific surface area, surface potential, etc. The wide use of TiO2 NPs requires careful consideration of the potential risks to human health as well as of the potential impacts on the environment
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