TiO2 Engineered Nanoparticles Research Articles

Ecotoxicity of engineered TiO2 nanoparticles to saltwater organisms: An overview

The innovative properties of nanomaterials make them suitable for various applications in many fields. In particular, TiO2 nanoparticles (nTiO2) are widely used in paints, in cosmetics and in sunscreens that are products accessible to the mass market. Despite the great increase in the use of such nanomaterials, there is a paucity of general information about their potential effects to the aquatic species, especially to saltwater ones. Moreover, the difficulties of determining the effective exposure scenario make the acquired information low comparable. In this work, questions about the complexity of the real exposure scenario determination are discussed. The state of the art, concerning the experimental activities with nTiO2 toward the saltwater organisms is firstly illustrated, providing statistical information about the different matrices, organisms and nanoparticles employed. A comparison of the nTiO2 ecotoxicity effects, grouped by taxonomic classes, is provided illustrating their relative experimental conditions. Findings show the need to develop specific protocols for toxicity tests with ENPs to control the variability of experimental conditions. Some advices are finally proposed for the future experimental activities.

Effect of engineered TiO2and ZnO nanoparticles on erythrocytes, platelet-rich plasma and giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles

BackgroundMassive industrial production of engineered nanoparticles poses questions about health risks to living beings. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms, we studied the effects of TiO2 and ZnO agglomerated engineered nanoparticles (EPs) on erythrocytes, platelet-rich plasma and on suspensions of giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles.ResultsWashed erythrocytes, platelet-rich plasma and suspensions of giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles were incubated with samples of EPs. These samples were observed by different microscopic techniques. We found that TiO2 and ZnO EPs adhered to the membrane of washed human and canine erythrocytes. TiO2 and ZnO EPs induced coalescence of human erythrocytes. Addition of TiO2 and ZnO EPs to platelet-rich plasma caused activation of human platelets after 24 hours and 3 hours, respectively, while in canine erythrocytes, activation of platelets due to ZnO EPs occurred already after 1 hour. To assess the effect of EPs on a representative sample of giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles, analysis of the recorded populations was improved by applying the principles of statistical physics. TiO2 EPs did not induce any notable effect on giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles within 50 minutes of incubation, while ZnO EPs induced a decrease in the number of giant unilamelar phospholipid vesicles that was statistically significant (p < 0,001) already after 20 minutes of incubation.ConclusionsThese results indicate that TiO2 and ZnO EPs cause erythrocyte aggregation and could be potentially prothrombogenic, while ZnO could also cause membrane rupture.

Aggregation and deposition of engineered TiO2 nanoparticles in natural fresh and brackish waters

The use and thus environmental release potential of metal-based nanoparticles have rapidly increased. Due to their size-dependent new properties, the fate and effect of nanomaterial may differ from those of the conventional form of corresponding material. The agglomeration and sedimentation were studied by spiking the TiO2-P25 particles in natural fresh and brackish water samples. The natural waters were determined for conductivity, pH, salinity, total organic carbon, turbidity, common nutrients and trace elements. The hydrodynamic diameter and concentration of TiO2-P25 particle dispersions were monitored by using a dynamic light scattering and a spectrophotometer, respectively. The experiments were performed at two particle concentrations 100 mg/l and 1 mg/l (10 mg/l for deposition studies). The aggregation rates in brackish waters were clearly higher in higher initial concentration and the sedimentation of aggregates decreased the TiO2 concentration down to 20% and 80% of initial higher and lower concentrations, respectively. One fresh water sample favoured the destabilisation of TiO2-P25 particles whereas another fresh water sample stabilised the TiO2 particle dispersion. The aggregation had a strong dependence on the particle concentration. High ionic content of brackish water probably explains the formation of aggregates, whereas organic substances and pH may account for the different agglomeration behaviour in fresh waters.