Abstract
Nanotechnology has enabled tremendous breakthroughs in the development of materials and, nowadays, is well established in various economic fields. Among the various nanomaterials, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) occupy a special position, as they are distinguished by their high availability, high photocatalytic activity, and favorable price, which make them useful in the production of paints, plastics, paper, cosmetics, food, furniture, etc. In textiles, TiO2 NPs are widely used in chemical finishing processes to impart various protective functional properties to the fibers for the production of high-tech textile products with high added value. Such applications contribute to the overall consumption of TiO2 NPs, which gives rise to reasonable considerations about the impact of TiO2 NPs on human health and the environment, and debates regarding whether the extent of the benefits gained from the use of TiO2 NPs justifies the potential risks. In this study, different TiO2 NPs exposure modes are discussed, and their toxicity mechanisms—evaluated in various in vitro and in vivo studies—are briefly described, considering the molecular interactions with human health and the environment. In addition, in the conclusion of this study, the toxicity and biocompatibility of TiO2 NPs are discussed, along with relevant risk management strategies.
Highlights
TiO2 is one of the most abundant and widely used metal oxide nanomaterial in the world [1,2]
The purpose of this paper is to review recent advances in the potential health and environmental effects of TiO2 NPs in order to contribute to the establishment of a scientific basis for the safe application of TiO2 NP and to promote the sustainable development of nanotechnology
TiO2 NPs can enter the blood via the oral route as they are used in foods, personal care products, sunscreens, and toothpaste
Summary
TiO2 is one of the most abundant and widely used metal oxide nanomaterial in the world [1,2]. As an n-type semiconductor, with a band gap energy of 3.2–3.35 eV, depending on its crystal phase, TiO2 acts as an effective photocatalyst during the photocatalytic process for surface functionalization [3,4,5,6] It has three crystalline structures: anatase, rutile, and brookite. When tailoring its desired functionality, TiO2 is usually deposited on the surface of textile fibers, but due to its fairly poor adhesion to the fibers, a certain amount of TiO2 washes away, peels off, or wears off during the product’s lifetime Such continuous leaching of TiO2 into the environment results in a potential threat to human health and the ecosystem. The main exposure modes of TiO2 NPs, their potential toxicity mechanisms on human cells through various signaling pathways along with the negotiable toxicity, the health effects of exposure to TiO2 NPs, the biocompatibility, and the environmental effects of TiO2 NPs are discussed in detail
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
