Nanosized Titanium Dioxide Particles Research Articles

Nanotechnology's Application in Cosmetics: Dermatology and Skin Care Items

Nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary force in various fields, and its application in cosmetics has significantly transformed the landscape of dermatology and skin care. This abstract explores the multifaceted impact of nanotechnology on cosmetic products, focusing on its potential to enhance efficacy, improve delivery systems, and address specific dermatological concerns. Integrating nanotechnology into cosmetics offers a notable advantage by enabling precise control of materials at the nanoscale. This capability leads to the creation of formulations that exhibit enhanced bioavailability. The use of nano-sized particles, typically measured in nanometers, improves the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, ensuring precise delivery and increased absorption. This precision has paved the way for the development of highly effective skincare products capable of addressing specific skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. Furthermore, nanotechnology has revolutionized the formulation of sunscreens, offering transparent and cosmetically elegant options that provide superior protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Nano-sized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide particles scatter light more effectively, offering broad-spectrum coverage without the white residue associated with traditional sunscreens. Enhanced visual appeal motivates consistent application of sunscreen, fostering improved skin well-being and diminishing the likelihood of skin damage caused by sun exposure. In the realm of dermatology, nanotechnology has played a pivotal role in propelling forward groundbreaking therapeutic strategies. Nanoparticles are utilized to encapsulate and transport active components, including vitamins and antioxidants, ensuring their stability and prolonged release. This targeted approach allows for the customization of skincare regimens based on individual skin needs, thereby optimizing treatment outcomes for various dermatological conditions. Despite the remarkable advancements facilitated by nanotechnology, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of nano-sized particles in cosmetics. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensure consumer confidence and regulatory compliance. Thorough testing and extensive research are crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of the safety characteristics of nanomaterials, taking into account factors such as particle size, surface charge, and potential interactions with the skin. In summary, the integration of nanotechnology into cosmetics marks a new era of innovation in dermatology and skincare. It not only enhances the delivery of active ingredients but also improves the effectiveness of sunscreens, presenting a promising path for the advancement of cutting-edge cosmetic formulations. As research in this field advances, it is essential to find a balance between innovation and safety, ensuring that nanotechnology continues to positively influence the cosmetics industry while prioritizing the well-being of consumers.

Nanosized titanium dioxide elevates toxicity of cationic metals species for Daphnia – have aging and natural organic matter an unexpected impact?

In aquatic ecosystems, nanosized titanium dioxide particles (nTiO2) likely interact with natural organic matter (NOM) and may alter the ecotoxicity of co-occurring metals. The magnitude of changes in toxicity may be modulated by the duration of interactions (i.e. aging) between these factors. As those interactions are hardly addressed in literature, the present study aimed at assessing the impact of aging durations (0, 1, 3 and 6 days) on metals with mainly cationic (silver (Ag), cadmium (Cd)) or anionic (arsenic (As)) toxic ions in combination with three nTiO2 levels (0.0, 0.6 and 3.0 mg/L) and two NOM levels (0 versus 8 mg TOC/L). The interaction of these factors was additionally investigated for two aging scenarios: in one scenario nTiO2 were aged together with one of the metals, while in other scenario metals were added to aged nTiO2. Subsequently, their combined acute effects on Daphnia magna were assessed. The results uncovered that nTiO2 elevate the toxicity of metals with mainly cationic species (i.e. Ag+ and Cd2+) with the effect size depending on their valence electron. Contrary, nTiO2 have no impact on the metal with mainly anionic species (i.e. HAsO4 2−). Furthermore, NOM reduced metal toxicity only for Ag and aging duration had a limited impact on the test outcome suggesting that relevant interactions between metal and nTiO2 occur rather quick (below 24 h). These findings suggest that the charge of metals’ most toxic species is the determining factor for its interaction with nanoparticles and the resulting ecotoxicological effect assessment.

Effect of Chitosan Composite Coatings with Salicylic Acid and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on the Storage Quality of Blackcurrant Berries

The use of chitosan and chitosan composite coatings for the preservation of fruits and vegetables during storage is attracting increasing attention. In this study, a chitosan-based edible coating, as well as a second chitosan-based edible coating containing salicylic acid (CTS + SA), a third containing nanosized titanium dioxide particles (CTS + TiO2), and a fourth containing a combination of these two (CTS + SA + TiO2) were evaluated in terms of their effects on the postharvest quality of blackcurrant fruit during storage at 4 °C. The results showed that compared with the other three treatment groups, the blackcurrants treated with CTS + SA + TiO2 underwent the smallest changes in weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, and total anthocyanin content, and retained the highest total flavonoid content. This combined treatment significantly inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity during storage, and the CTS + SA + TiO2 samples also displayed the lowest malondialdehyde content. These results, thus, indicate that the CTS + SA + TiO2 composite coating could maintain the nutrient composition of blackcurrants, thereby playing a significant role in preserving the quality of this fruit at 4 °C.

Effect of Chitosan/Nano-TiO2 Composite Coating on the Postharvest Quality of Blueberry Fruit

Blueberries are a rich source of health-promoting compounds such as vitamins and anthocyanins and show a high antioxidant capacity. Thus, considerable commercial and scientific interest exists in prolonging its postharvest life to meet the year-round demand for this fruit. In this investigation, the effect of a chitosan-based edible coating, as well as a chitosan-based edible coating containing nanosized titanium dioxide particles (CTS-TiO2), on the postharvest quality of blueberry fruit quality was evaluated during storage at 0 °C. The blueberries were treated with a chitosan coating (CTS) and a CTS-TiO2 composite, respectively. The most suitable chitosan and nano-TiO2 fraction concentrations to be incorporated in the coating formulation were prepared based on the wettability of the corresponding coating solutions. Changes in firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid (VC), malondialdehyde (MDA), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and peroxidase (POD) activities, anthocyanins, flavonoids, total phenolic content, and microbiological analysis were measured and compared. This combined treatment prevented product corruption. Compared with CTS, the CTS-TiO2 composite coating application effectively slowed down the decrease in firmness, TSS, VC, and TA in the blueberries. Additionally, changes in the total polyphenol, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant capacity of CTS-TiO2 composite coating blueberry fruits were delayed. Therefore, these results indicated that the chitosan/nano-TiO2 composite coating could maintain the nutrient composition of blueberries while playing a significant role in preserving the quality of fruit at 0 °C.

Effects of physiochemical characteristic of nano-sized TiO2 on the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells

Nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are produced on a large scale and are widely used. However, the effects of exposure to nano-sized TiO2 particles on the cardiovascular system remain elusive. The present study investigated how the crystal structure and surface characteristics of nano-sized TiO2 particles affect the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, which is an essential process in atherosclerogenesis. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) were exposed to anatase (NM102), rutile hydrophobic (NM103), and rutile hydrophilic (NM104) TiO2 nanoparticles. Incubation of HUVECs with NM102, NM103, or NM104 at 100 μg/ml significantly reduced cell viability, and cell viability was also significantly reduced after exposure to 75 μg/ml of the anatase particles (NM102). Brief exposure to NM102 and NM103 increased the level of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in HUVECs. Exposure to NM102 also upregulated the expression of lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) in THP-1 cells, resulting in enhanced adhesion of these cells to HUVECs. The amount of titanium uptake of NM102 in cells was higher than that of NM103 or NM104, as evidenced by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). To examine the effects of long-term exposure to nano-sized TiO2 on the process of atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were exposed to TiO2 NPs (NM102, NM103, or NM104 at 10 or 40 μg/mouse) by pharyngeal aspiration once every other week for 10 weeks. As the results, NM102 (40 μg/mouse) increased plaque formation in the aorta, and this increase correlated with a significant upregulation of ICAM-1 and F4/80 expression in the aorta. Anatase, but not rutile, TiO2 nanoparticles promoted the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, and enhanced atherosclerogenesis in a susceptible animal model.

Lethal and sub-lethal effects of nanosized titanium dioxide particles on Hydropsyche exocellata Dufour, 1841

Nanosized titanium dioxide particles (nTiO2) are one of the most widely used nanoscale engineered materials. Evidence of the presence of nTiO2 in freshwater systems has been reported by recent ecotoxicological studies, which indicated the potential toxic effects of nTiO2 to aquatic organisms. This study aimed at exploring lethal and sub-lethal endpoints of aqueous exposure of the aquatic insect Hydropsyche exocellata Dufour, 1841 (Trichoptera, Hydropsychidae) to nTiO2 at different concentrations. Abdominal contractions significantly increased with nTiO2 exposure. Levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) increased with nTiO2 dose, whereas the opposite was recorded for the antioxidant enzyme catalase activity (CAT). Moreover, the highest exposure (50.0 mg/L) resulted in the highest mortality (56% of mortality two weeks after pulse exposure to nTiO2). Overall, our results show that nTiO2 has potential toxic effects on H. exocellata at concentrations of 50.0 mg/L.

Investigation of Structural and Antifungal Behaviors of Nano-Sized Anatase Titanium Dioxide Synthesized by Co-Precipitation Route

Nowadays, the application of nano-sized anatase titanium dioxide particles becomes one of the essential research focuses by many experts, especially for biomedical applications. In this work, we report the utilization of coprecipitation route in preparing nano-sized anatase titanium dioxide as an antifungal agent. The data analysis for the XRD data of the titanium dioxide particles showed that the sample crystallized with anatase structure and sized in the nanometric size of 13.30 nm. The particle size obtained from Scherrer’s analysis of the XRD data was quite similar to the particle size obtained from electron microscopy investigation. Furthermore, the small-angle scattering data presented that the anatase titanium dioxide constructed a 3-dimensional structure with a compact structure originating from the fractal dimension value of approximately 3. The functional groups of the nano-sized anatase titanium dioxide were traced in the wavelength range of 500-1500 cm-1 showing the presence of Ti-O bonding. Interestingly, the prepared sample in this experiment exhibited an excellent performance as an antifungal agent represented by inhibition zone diameter of 3.59 mm.

Agglomeration characteristics of nano-size TiO2 particles using analytical solution

We developed equations for nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles self preserving time (SPT) lag that combines with agglomerate key parameters such as primary particle size (PPS), geometric standard deviation (GSD) and mass fractal dimension (MFD). A statistical formula has been developed that relies on SPT lag as the key parameter of agglomerates. Finally, this research presents the first analytical solution by integrating these key parameters into one formula, which can be utilized as a handy tool to calculate the time for reaching the asymptotic state.

Evaluating Metabolic Responses in Mice to Nanosized Titanium Dioxide Particles Using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolomics

Evaluating Metabolic Responses in Mice to Nanosized Titanium Dioxide Particles Using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry Based Metabolomics

Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of a TiO2 nanoparticles reinforced magnesium for biocompatible application

In this present study, 0.66 volume percentage of biocompatible nano-sized titanium dioxide particles were incorporated into commercially pure biodegradable magnesium matrix using blend-press-sinter-extrusion powder metallurgy technique avoiding ball milling. The incorporated titanium dioxide particles dispersed reasonably uniformly in the matrix and significantly refined the magnesium grain size. Incorporated nano-sized titanium dioxide particles significantly improved the tensile ductility, compressive yield strength and ultimate compressive strength of the magnesium matrix without affecting its hardness and tensile strength. The nanoparticles also reduced the tensile-compressive yield strength asymmetry in the reinforced magnesium. The reinforcement particle changed the fracture mode of magnesium under tensile load only.

Kinetics of chemotaxis, cytokine, and chemokine release of NR8383 macrophages after exposure to inflammatory and inert granular insoluble particles

Accumulation of macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes in the lung are key events in the inflammatory response to inhaled particles. The present study aims at the time course of chemotaxis in vitro in response to the challenge of various biopersistent particles and its functional relation to the transcription of inflammatory mediators.NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages were challenged with particles of coarse quartz, barium sulfate, and nanosized silica for one, four, and 16h and with coarse and nanosized titanium dioxide particles (rutile and anatase) for 16h only. The cell supernatants were used to investigate the chemotaxis of unexposed NR8383 macrophages. The transcription of inflammatory mediators in cells exposed to quartz, silica, and barium sulfate was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR.Challenge with quartz, silica, and rutile particles induced significant chemotaxis of unexposed NR8383 macrophages. Chemotaxis caused by quartz and silica was accompanied by an elevated transcription of CCL3, CCL4, CXCL1, CXCL3, and TNFα. Quartz exposure showed an earlier onset of both effects compared to the nanosized silica. The strength of this response roughly paralleled the cytotoxic effects. Barium sulfate and anatase did not induce chemotaxis and barium sulfate as well caused no elevated transcription.In conclusion, NR8383 macrophages respond to the challenge with inflammatory particles with the release of chemotactic compounds that act on unexposed macrophages. The kinetics of the response differs between the various particles.

Activating antioxidant enzymes, hyoscyamine and scopolamine biosynthesis of Hyoscyamus niger L. plants with nano-sized titanium dioxide and bulk application

Application of nanotechnology is now widely distributed overall the life, especially in agricultural systems. This study intended to indicate the impacts of nano-sized titanium dioxide particles (NT) and bulk (BT) on antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT), and variations of two major tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine (HYO) and scopolamine (SCO) in Hyoscyamus niger L. Plants were treated with different concentrations of NT and BT (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg l-1). Alkaloids extracted were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results showed that SOD activity increased with increasing titanium dioxide concentration in both nano-particles and bulk treated plants. However, the highest and the lowest POX activity were observed in plants exposed to NT at 40 mg l-1 and control, respectively. Generally, all tested enzymes activities were higher in NT treated plants that those of BT except CAT activity at 80 mg l-1. The highest alkaloids content values, HYO: 0.286 g kg-1 and SCO: 0.126 g kg-1, were achieved in plants treated with NT at 80 and 20 mg l-1, respectively. The maximum and minimum plant biomass and subsequently total alkaloids yield were obtained in plants exposed to NT at 40 mg l-1 and controls, respectively. Our results suggest that NT in appropriate level (40 mg l-1) may act as an elicitor for biochemical responses and tropane alkaloids biosynthesis in H. niger plants.

Silicone rubbers for dielectric elastomers with improved dielectric and mechanical properties as a result of substituting silica with titanium dioxide

One prominent method of modifying the properties of dielectric elastomers (DEs) is by adding suitable metal oxide fillers. However, almost all commercially available silicone elastomers are already heavily filled with silica to reinforce the otherwise rather weak silicone network and the resulting metal oxide filled elastomer may contain too much filler. We therefore explore the replacement of silica with titanium dioxide to ensure a relatively low concentration of filler. Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) has relatively low viscosity, which is favorable for loading inorganic fillers. In the present study, four commercial LSRs with varying loadings of silica and one benchmark room-temperature vulcanizable rubber (RTV) were investigated. The resulting elastomers were evaluated with respect to their dielectric permittivity, tear and tensile strengths, electrical breakdown, thermal stability and dynamic viscosity. Filled silicone elastomers with high loadings of nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles were also studied. The best overall performing formulation had 35 wt.% TiO2 nanoparticles in the POWERSIL® XLR LSR, where the excellent ensemble of relative dielectric permittivity of 4.9 at 0.1 Hz, breakdown strength of 160 V µm−1, tear strength of 5.3 MPa, elongation at break of 190%, a Young’s modulus of 0.85 MPa and a 10% strain response (simple tension) in a 50 V μm−1 electric field was obtained.

The preparation and properties of multifunctional coating of aluminum alloy for medical external application

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to improve anti-corrosion, self-cleaning, hydrophily and sterilization properties of aluminum (Al) alloy. Design/methodology/approach – A multifunctional coating for medical external application on Al alloy had been prepared by anodic oxidation, electrolytic coloring silver (Ag) and sealed in boiling water with nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles. The multifunctional coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Other properties such as corrosion-resistance, wipe-resistance, hydrophilicity, photochemical decomposition and bactericidal antiseptic effect were also investigated. Findings – The results demonstrate that a golden film with multi-function had been obtained for medical external application. The main phase of coating is amorphous Al2O3, and nano-sized silver particle is electrodeposited in bottom of film hole, while nano-sized TiO2 is sealed on the external surface of coating. The properties of film, such as anti-corrosion, self-cleaning, hydrophily, sterilization are better than those of Al alloy substrate. Originality/value – Considering about this usage for medical external application, a multifunctional coating which has the properties such as decoration, anti-corrosion, sterilize and self-cleaning has been first prepared on Al alloy surface in the study. This coating would meet the requirements of medical external using and provide theoretical and practical foundation about Al alloy for medical use.

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Reduce Vasculogenesis in Transgenic Zebrafish Through Down-Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression and Induction of Apoptosis.

The present study investigated the effects of exposure to metal oxide nanoparticles on vasculogenesis/angiogenesis using transgenic zebrafish. The study also examined the potential mechanisms involved in those effects using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). TG (nacre/fli1:EGFP) zebrafish were exposed to nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2), silica dioxide (SiO2), and copper oxide (CuO) particles at 0.01, 1 and 100 µg/ml concentrations from 1 to 5 dpf (day-post-fertilization). Angiogenesis was evaluated morphologically at the end of exposure. Exposure to CuO nanoparticles reduced the number of transversely-running subintestinal vessels in TG zebrafish. Exposure to CuO nanoparticles down-regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor in endothelial cells sorted by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter (FACS). Exposure of HUVEC to CuO nanoparticles reduced cell viability and increased apoptotic index in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that CuO nanoparticles inhibit vasculogenesis through reduction of VEGF expression and induction of apoptosis.

Performance of novel a Ag-n-TiO2/PVC reinforced hollow fiber membrane applied in water purification: in situ antibacterial properties and resistance to biofouling

To improve the anti-biofouling properties of membranes, Ag-embedded nano-sized titanium dioxide (Ag-n-TiO2) particles were utilized as biocidal agents to modify polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes.

PMMA films refractive index modulation via TiO2 nanoparticle inclusions and corona poling

The present study is focused on the characterization of optical properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films and the possibilities of modulation and fine tuning of their refractive index by the inclusion of different concentrations of nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles (less than 33 nm) and corona poling. The samples are prepared by the “spin coating” method and they are charged in a conventional point-to-plain corona system. The transparent PMMA/TiO2 films exhibit good optical properties in the visible range. An investigation of the film’s surface refractive index by two wavelengths laser refractometry utilizing the disappearing diffraction pattern method is carried out. The refractive index increases with increasing the TiO2 content in the nanocomposite films. The corona poling increases the refractive index values for all samples regardless of the polarity and concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. The results show that the prepared nanocomposite films have a potential application for optical devices.

Using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling for dietary risk assessment of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles

Nano-sized titanium dioxide particles (nano-TiO2) can be found in a large number of foods and consumer products, such as cosmetics and toothpaste, thus, consumer exposure occurs via multiple sources, possibly involving different exposure routes. In order to determine the disposition of nano-TiO2 particles that are taken up, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed. High priority was placed on limiting the number of parameters to match the number of underlying data points (hence to avoid overparameterization), but still reflecting available mechanistic information on the toxicokinetics of nano-TiO2. To this end, the biodistribution of nano-TiO2 was modeled based on their ability to cross the capillary wall of the organs and to be phagocytosed in the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). The model’s predictive power was evaluated by comparing simulated organ levels to experimentally assessed organ levels of independent in vivo studies. The results of our PBPK model indicate that: (1) within the application domain of the PBPK model from 15 to 150 nm, the size and crystalline structure of the particles had a minor influence on the biodistribution; and (2) at high internal exposure the particles agglomerate in vivo and are subsequently taken up by macrophages in the MPS. Furthermore, we also give an example on how the PBPK model may be used for risk assessment. For this purpose, the daily dietary intake of nano-TiO2 was calculated for the German population. The PBPK model was then used to convert this chronic external exposure into internal titanium levels for each organ.

Retraction: Case study: three dimensional analysis of the swimming behaviour of daphnia magna exposed to nanosized titanium dioxide

Nanosized titanium dioxide particles (nTiO 2 ) tend to adhere to biological surfaces and thus we hypothesize that they effect on swimming behavior of aquatic animal. In this article, we exposed water fleas Daphnia magna to 5 and 20 mg/L nTiO 2 for 96h showed a significantly reduced growth rate compared to a 1 mg/L treatment and the control group. Using three- dimensional video observations of swimming trajectories, we observed a treatment dependent swarming behavior of daphnia magna and mean velocities that increased with increasing body length of daphnia magna. Spectral analysis of swimming velocities revealed that high frequency variance, which we consider as a measure of swimming activities, was significantly reduced in the 5- 20 mg/L treatments.

Comparative Study of Toxic Effects of Anatase and Rutile Type Nanosized Titanium Dioxide Particles in vivo and in vitro

Two types of nanosized titanium dioxide, anatase (anTiO2) and rutile (rnTiO2), are widely used in industry, commercial products and biosystems. TiO2 has been evaluated as a Group 2B carcinogen. Previous reports indicated that anTiO2 is less toxic than rnTiO2, however, under ultraviolet irradiation anTiO2 is more toxic than rnTiO2 in vitro because of differences in their crystal structures. In the present study, we compared the in vivo and in vitro toxic effects induced by anTiO2 and rnTiO2. Female SD rats were treated with 500 ?g/ml of anTiO2 or rnTiO2 suspensions by intra-pulmonary spraying 8 times over a two week period. In the lung, treatment with anTiO2 or rnTiO2 increased alveolar macrophage numbers and levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG); these increases tended to be lower in the anTiO2 treated group compared to the rnTiO2 treated group. Expression of MIP1??mRNA and protein in lung tissues treated with anTiO2 and rnTiO2 was also significantly up-regulated, with MIP1??mRNA and protein expression significantly lower in the anTiO2 group than in the rnTiO2 group. In cell culture of primary alveolar macrophages (PAM) treated with anTiO2 and rnTiO2, expression of MIP1??mRNA in the PAM and protein in the culture media was significantly higher than in control cultures. Similarly to the in vivo results, MIP1??mRNA and protein expression was significantly lower in the anTiO2 treated cultures compared to the rnTiO2 treated cultures. Furthermore, conditioned cell culture media from PAM cultures treated with anTiO2 had less effect on A549 cell proliferation compared to conditioned media from cultures treated with rnTiO2. However, no significant difference was found in the toxicological effects on cell viability of ultra violet irradiated anTiO2 and rnTiO2. In conclusion, our results indicate that anTiO2 is less potent in induction of alveolar macrophage infiltration, 8-OHdG and MIP1??expression in the lung, and growth stimulation of A549 cells in vitro than rnTiO2.