Tissue distribution and toxicity of intravenously administered titanium dioxide nanoparticles in rats

The tissue distribution and toxicity of intravenously administered nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) (>10 wt.% at <100 nm size) were investigated because of the fundamental importance to obtain information on the kinetics of this widely used nanoparticle in a situation of 100% bioavailability. Male Wistar rats were treated with single intravenous injections of a suspension of TiO₂ in serum (5 mg/kg body weight), and the tissue content of TiO₂ was determined 1, 14, and 28 days later. Biochemical parameters and antigens in serum were also assessed to determine potential pathological changes. The health and behavior of the animals were normal throughout the study. There were no detectable levels of TiO₂ in blood cells, plasma, brain, or lymph nodes. The TiO₂ levels were highest in the liver, followed in decreasing order by the levels in the spleen, lung, and kidney, and highest on day 1 in all organs. TiO₂ levels were retained in the liver for 28 days, there was a slight decrease in TiO₂ levels from day 1 to days 14 and 28 in the spleen, and a return to control levels by day 14 in the lung and kidney. There were no changes in the cytokines and enzymes measured in blood samples, indicating that there was no detectable inflammatory response or organ toxicity. Overall, rats exposed to TiO₂ nanoparticles by a route that allows immediate systemic availability showed expected tissue distribution, no obvious toxic health effects, no immune response, and no change in organ function. Therefore, even with 100% bioavailability of the 5 mg/kg TiO₂ dose afforded by the intravenous route of administration, there were no remarkable toxic effects evident in the experimental animals. These results indicate that TiO₂ nanoparticles could be used safely in low doses.     

Genotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs, <100 nm) are increasingly being used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to the unique properties derived from their small sizes. However, their large surface-area to mass ratio and high redox potential may negatively impact human health and the environment. TiO₂-NPs can cause inflammation, pulmonary damage, fibrosis, and lung tumors and they are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Because cancer is a disease involving mutation, there are a large number of studies on the genotoxicity of TiO₂-NPs. In this article, we review the results that have been reported in the literature, with a focus on data generated from the standard genotoxicity assays. The data include genotoxicity results from the Ames test, in vitro and in vivo Comet assay, in vitro and in vivo micronucleus assay, sister chromatid exchange assay, mammalian cell hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase gene assay, the wing somatic mutation and recombination assay, and the mouse phosphatidylinositol glycan, class A gene assay. Inconsistent results have been found in these assays, with both positive and negative responses being reported. The in vitro systems for assessing the genotoxicity of TiO₂-NPs have generated a greater number of positive results than the in vivo systems, and tests for DNA and chromosome damage have produced more positive results than the assays measuring gene mutation. Nearly all tests for measuring the mutagenicity of TiO₂-NPs were negative. The current data indicate that the genotoxicity of TiO₂-NPs is mediated mainly through the generation of oxidative stress in cells.     

In vivo acute toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles to mice after intraperitioneal injection

Because of its excellent optical performance and electrical properties, TiO₂ has a wide range of applications in many fields. It is often considered to be physiologically inert to humans. However, some recent studies have reported that nano‐sized TiO₂ may generate potential harm to the environment and humans. In this paper the in vivo acute toxicity of nano‐sized TiO₂ particles to adult mice was investigated. Mice were injected with different dosages of nano‐sized TiO₂ (0, 324, 648, 972, 1296, 1944 or 2592 mg kg^–1). The effects of particles on serum biochemical levels were evaluated at various time points (24 h, 48 h, 7 days and 14 days). Tissues (spleen, heart, lung, kidney and liver) were collected for titanium content analysis and histopathological examination. Treated mice showed signs of acute toxicity such as passive behavior, loss of appetite, tremor and lethargy. Slightly elevated levels of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were found from the biochemical tests of serum whereas blood urea nitrogen was not significantly affected (P <0.05). The accumulation of TiO₂ was highest in spleen (P <0.05). TiO₂ was also deposited in liver, kidney and lung. Histopathological examinations showed that some TiO₂ particles had entered the spleen and caused the lesion of spleen. Thrombosis was found in the pulmonary vascular system, which could be induced by the blocking of blood vessels with TiO₂ particles. Moreover, hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis, hepatic fibrosis, renal glomerulus swelling and interstitial pneumonia associated with alveolar septal thickening were also observed in high‐dose groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on human keratinocytes

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is a ubiquitous whitening compound widely used in topical products such as sunscreens, lotions and facial creams. The damaging health effects of TiO₂ inhalation has been widely studied in rats, mice and humans showing oxidative stress increase, DNA damage, cell death and inflammatory gene upregulation in lung and throat cells; however, the effects on skin cells from long-term topical use of various products remain largely unknown. In this study, we assessed the effect of specific TiO₂ nanoparticles (H₂TiO₇) on a human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). We performed a comparative analysis using three TiO₂ particles varying in size (Fine, Ultrafine and H₂TiO₇) and analyzed their effects on HaCaTs. There is a clear dose-dependent increase in superoxide production, caspase 8 and 9 activity, and apoptosis in HaCaTs after treatment with all three forms of TiO₂; however, there is no consistent effect on cell viability and proliferation with either of these TiO₂ particles. While there is data suggesting UV exposure can enhance the carcinogenic effects of TiO₂, we did not observe any significant effect of UV-C exposure combined with TiO₂ treatment on HaCaTs. Furthermore, TiO₂-treated cells showed minimal effects on VEGF upregulation and Wnt signaling pathway thereby showing no potential effect on angiogenesis and malignant transformation. Overall, we report here an increase in apoptosis, which may be caspase 8/Fas-dependent, and that the H₂TiO₇ nanoparticles, despite their smaller particle size, had no significant enhanced effect on HaCaT cells as compared to Fine and Ultrafine forms of TiO₂.     

In situ quantification of diverse titanium dioxide nanoparticles unveils selective endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent toxicity

Although titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been extensively studied, their possible impact on health due to their specific properties supported by their size and geometry, remains to be fully characterized to support risk assessment. To further document NPs biological effects, we investigated the impact of TiO₂ NPs morphology on biological outcomes. To this end, TiO₂ NPs were synthesized as nanoneedles (NNs), titanate scrolled nanosheets (TNs), gel-sol-based isotropic nanoparticles (INPs) and tested for perturbation of cellular homeostasis (cellular ion content, cell proliferation, stress pathways) in three cell types and compared to the P25. We showed that TiO₂ NPs were internalized at various degrees and their toxicity depended on both titanium content and NPs shape, which impacted on intracellular calcium homeostasis thereby leading to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Finally, we showed that a minimal intracellular content of TiO₂ NPs was mandatory to induce toxicity enlightening once more the crucial notion of internalized dose threshold beside the well-recognized dose of exposure.     

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced intracellular calcium homeostasis modification in primary human keratinocytes. Towards an in vitro explanation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles toxicity

Abstract

Deciphering the molecular basis of toxicology mechanism induced by nanoparticles (NPs) remains an essential challenge. Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) was applied in combination with Transmission Electron Microscopy and Confocal Microscopy to analyze human keratinocytes exposed to TiO₂-NPs. Investigating chemical elemental distributions using IBA gives rise to a fine quantification of the TiO₂-NPs uptake within a cell and to the determination of the intracellular chemical modifications after TiO₂-NPs internalization. In addition, fluorescent dye-modified TiO₂-NPs have been synthesized to allow their detection, precise quantification and tracking in vitro. The internalization of these TiO₂-NPs altered the calcium homeostasis and induced a decrease in cell proliferation associated with an early keratinocyte differentiation, without any indication of cell death. Additionally, the relation between the surface chemistry of the TiO₂-NPs and their in vitro toxicity is clearly established and emphasizes the importance of the calcium homeostasis alteration in response to the presence of TiO₂-NPs.     

Acute toxicity study of the interaction between titanium dioxide nanoparticles and lead acetate in mice

Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) is one kind of widely used nanoparticle, which was used as a solid-phase extraction to preconcentrated and measured of lead (Pb) in river water and seawater. However the interaction of nanoparticle TiO(2) and Pb was unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential acute toxicity of the interaction between nanoparticle TiO(2) (50 and 120nm) and lead acetate (PbAC) in adult mice. The animals were randomly divided into six groups: a control group and five treatment groups (TiO(2)-50, TiO(2)-120, PbAC, TiO(2)-50+PbAC and TiO(2)-120+PbAC groups). Suspensions of TiO(2) (5g/kg body weight), PbAC (500mg/kg body weigh) and TiO(2) (5g/kg body weight)+PbAC (500mg/kg body weigh) were administrated to mice via oral gavage, respectively. Seven days later, the animals were sacrificed after being anesthetized by ether. There were no significant changes of the body weight coefficients of liver, kidney and brain. However, the results of liver function and nephrotoxicity examination revealed that there were serious damages to liver and kidney between the group treated with the mix suspension and the one with TiO(2). After the mix suspension treatment, ROS levels were significantly increased in liver but not in kidney, cortex and hippocampus. There were no increase of MDA levels in these tissues, and no activity reductions of SOD and GSH-Px in liver and kidney but in the cortex and hippocampus. Therefore, though our results have not suggested that TiO(2) particle and PbAC have a synergistic acute toxicity in mice after oral administration, PbAC may increase the acute toxicity of TiO(2) nanoparticle in some degree. The potential toxic mechanism maybe related with oxidative damages.     

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles induced intracellular calcium homeostasis modification in primary human keratinocytes. Towards an in vitro explanation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles toxicity

Deciphering the molecular basis of toxicology mechanism induced by nanoparticles (NPs) remains an essential challenge. Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) was applied in combination with Transmission Electron Microscopy and Confocal Microscopy to analyze human keratinocytes exposed to TiO(2)-NPs. Investigating chemical elemental distributions using IBA gives rise to a fine quantification of the TiO(2)-NPs uptake within a cell and to the determination of the intracellular chemical modifications after TiO(2)-NPs internalization. In addition, fluorescent dye-modified TiO(2)-NPs have been synthesized to allow their detection, precise quantification and tracking in vitro. The internalization of these TiO(2)-NPs altered the calcium homeostasis and induced a decrease in cell proliferation associated with an early keratinocyte differentiation, without any indication of cell death. Additionally, the relation between the surface chemistry of the TiO(2)-NPs and their in vitro toxicity is clearly established and emphasizes the importance of the calcium homeostasis alteration in response to the presence of TiO(2)-NPs.     

Biological effect of food additive titanium dioxide nanoparticles on intestine: an in vitro study

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are widely found in food‐related consumer products. Understanding the effect of TiO₂ NPs on the intestinal barrier and absorption is essential and vital for the safety assessment of orally administrated TiO₂ NPs. In this study, the cytotoxicity and translocation of two native TiO₂ NPs, and these two TiO₂ NPs pretreated with the digestion simulation fluid or bovine serum albumin were investigated in undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells, differentiated Caco‐2 cells and Caco‐2 monolayer. TiO₂ NPs with a concentration less than 200 µg ml^–1 did not induce any toxicity in differentiated cells and Caco‐2 monolayer after 24 h exposure. However, TiO₂ NPs pretreated with digestion simulation fluids at 200 µg ml^–1 inhibited the growth of undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells. Undifferentiated Caco‐2 cells swallowed native TiO₂ NPs easily, but not pretreated NPs, implying the protein coating on NPs impeded the cellular uptake. Compared with undifferentiated cells, differentiated ones possessed much lower uptake ability of these TiO₂ NPs. Similarly, the traverse of TiO₂ NPs through the Caco‐2 monolayer was also negligible. Therefore, we infer the possibility of TiO₂ NPs traversing through the intestine of animal or human after oral intake is quite low. This study provides valuable information for the risk assessment of TiO₂ NPs in food. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bioaccumulation of ionic titanium and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in zebrafish eleutheroembryos

Abstract

The production of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) for commercial applications has greatly increased over the last years and consequently the potential risk for human health. There is a growing awareness of the need to understand the behavior and influence these nanoparticles exert on the environment. Bioaccumulation serves as a good integrator to assess chemical exposure in aquatic systems and is dependent on factors, such as the exposure routes, diet and the aqueous medium. We analyzed the experimental bioaccumulation capability of ionic titanium and TiO₂ NPs by zebrafish (Danio rerio) eleutheroembryos through bioconcentration factors (BCFs), after 48 or 72?h of exposure. The stability of both chemical forms in an aquatic medium was fully characterized for further bioaccumulation studies. Several stabilizing agents (humic acids, soluble starch, polyethylene glycol, Na₄P₂O₇ and Na₂HPO₄) for anatase and rutile, the two allotrophs of TiO₂ NPs, were evaluated to check the evolution of the aggregation process. Around 60% of TiO₂ NPs remained disaggregated under simulated environmental conditions with the addition of 50?mg?L^?1 of humic acids. However, the presence of eleutheroembryos in the exposure medium increased TiO₂ NPs aggregation in the experimental tests. The BCFs values obtained in all cases were <100, which classifies ionic titanium and TiO₂ NPs as non-bioaccumulative substances, under the REACH regulations.     

The effect and underlying mechanisms of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on glucose homeostasis: A literature review

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is used extensively as a white pigment in the food industry, personal care, and a variety of products of everyday use. Although TiO₂ has been categorized as a bioinert material, recent evidence has demonstrated different toxicity profiles of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) and a potential health risk to humans. Studies indicated that titanium dioxide enters the systemic circulation and accumulates in the lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, and central nervous system and may cause oxidative stress and tissue damage in these vital organs. Recently, some studies have raised concerns about the possible detrimental effects of TiO₂ NPs on glucose homeostasis. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the methodological issues. This article aims to evaluate current evidence regarding the effects of TiO₂ NPs on glucose homeostasis, including possible underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, the limitations of current studies are discussed, which may provide a comprehensive understanding and new perspectives for future studies in this field.     

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on glucose homeostasis after oral administration

As food additives, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) have been widely used in various products that are usually simultaneously consumed with a high content of sugar, thus necessitating research on the effect of TiO₂ NPs on glucose homeostasis. We conducted an animal study to explore the effect of orally administrated TiO₂ NPs on glucose absorption and metabolism in rats at 0, 2, 10 and 50 mg kg^–1 body weight day^–1 for 30 and 90 days. The results showed that oral exposure to TiO₂ NPs caused a slight and temporary hypoglycemic effect in rats at 30 days post‐exposure but recovered at 90 days post‐exposure. Decreased levels of intestinal glucose absorption and increased levels of hepatic glucose metabolism may be responsible for the hypoglycemic effect. Remodeling of the villi in the small intestine that decreased the surface area available for glucose absorption and increased levels of hepatic glucose uptake, utilization and storage related to hepatocellular injury are supposed to be the mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that dietary intake of TiO₂ NPs as food additives could affect the absorption and metabolism of glucose.     

纳米氧化钛对大鼠神经胶质细胞的毒性作用

目的研究纳米氧化钛(nano-TiO2)对大鼠神经胶质细胞的毒性作用。方法①体外实验:制备3种粒径10,20和200nm的nano-TiO2颗粒悬液,分别以6.25,12.5,25,50和100mg·L-1对大鼠星形胶质细胞进行72h染毒培养,应用磺基罗丹明B法检测nano-TiO2对星形胶质细胞存活率的影响。②体内实验:Wistar大鼠气管内分别注入上述3种粒径的nano-TiO2悬液,每种粒径设0.1,1.0和10.0mg·kg-13个剂量组,每组3只,72h后分别用电感耦合等离子质谱和放射免疫法检测大鼠脑组织中nano-TiO2的含量和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和IL-10水平的变化,并通过光学显微镜和透射电镜观察nano-TiO2对大鼠神经胶质细胞形态的影响。结果①体外实验发现,nano-TiO2对大鼠星形胶质细胞存活率的抑制作用具有明显的浓度-效应关系,3种粒径10,20和200nm的nano-TiO2与胶质细胞培养72h,其半数抑制浓度分别为55.9,66.0和3827.0mg·L-1;细胞形态亦发生明显变化,细胞排列稀疏,间隙增大,胞内颗粒物增多,细胞透明度下降。②体内实验发现,粒径10和20nm的nano-TiO20.1mg·kg-1及粒径200nm的nano-TiO20.1,1.0和10.0mg·kg-1组,大鼠脑组织中的nano-TiO2,IL-1β,TNF-α及IL-10浓度与对照组比较无明显变化;粒径10和20nm的nano-TiO21.0及10.0mg·kg-1组大鼠脑组织中nano-TiO2,IL-1β,TNF-α及IL-10浓度随nano-TiO2剂量的增加而增加;病理学观察结果表明,nano-TiO2破坏大鼠血脑屏障,造成脑组织坏死,并进入神经胶质细胞内,引起炎症反应和细胞水肿。结论Nano-TiO2对大鼠神经胶质细胞具有细胞毒性作用,其作用强度与粒径大小有关,其作用机制可能与诱导炎症反应有关。     

Cell uptake and oral absorption of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Large efforts are invested on the development of in vitro tests to evaluate nanomaterial (NM) toxicity. In order to assess the relevance of the adverse effects identified in in vitro toxicity tests a thorough understanding of the biokinetics of NMs is critical. We used different in vitro and in vivo test methods to evaluate cell uptake and oral absorption of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs). These NPs were readily uptaken by A549 cells (carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells) in vitro. Such rapid uptake contrasted with a very low oral absorption in a differentiated Caco-2 monolayer system (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells) and after oral gavage administration to rats. In this oral study, no significant increase in the levels of titanium was recorded by ICP-MS in any of the tissues evaluated (including among other: small intestine, Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen). No NPs were observed by TEM in sections of the small intestine, except for several particles in the cytoplasm of a cell from a Peyer's Patch area. The observation of NPs in Peyer's Patch suggests that the Caco-2 monolayer system is likely to underestimate the potential for oral absorption of NPs and that the model could be improved by including M-cells in co-culture.     

The immunomodulatory effects of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles

Due to their characteristic physical, chemical and optical properties, titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles are attractive tools for use in a wide range of applications. The use of nanoparticles for biological applications is, however, dependent upon their biocompatibility with living cells. Because of the importance of inflammation as a modulator of human health, the safe and efficacious in vivo use of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles is inherently linked to a favorable interaction with immune system cells. However, both titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles have demonstrated potential to exert immunomodulatory and immunotoxic effects. Titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles are readily internalized by immune system cells, may accumulate in peripheral lymphoid organs, and can influence multiple manifestations of immune cell activity. Although the factors influencing the biocompatibility of titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles with immune system cells have not been fully elucidated, nanoparticle core composition, size, concentration and the duration of cell exposure seem to be important. Because titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles are widely utilized in pharmaceutical, commercial and industrial products, it is vital that their effects on human health and immune system function be more thoroughly evaluated.     

Cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mouse fibroblast cells

Nanotitanium dioxide (TiO2) is an important industrial material that is widely used as an additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food colorants. Although the small size of the TiO2 nanoparticle is useful in various applications, the biosafety of this material needs to be evaluated. In this study, mouse fibroblast (L929) cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of different concentrations (3-600 microg/mL) of homogeneous and weakly aggregated TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous solution. The L929 cells became round and even shrank as the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased. Moreover, TiO2 nanoparticle-treated cells had condensed fragmented chromatin or were directly necrosed, as observed by acridine orange (AO) staining. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed that in cells cultured in a medium containing 300 microg/mL TiO2, the number of lysosomes increased, and some cytoplasmic organelles were damaged. In addition, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress at higher TiO2 nanoparticle concentrations (>60 microg/mL). As the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles increased in the culture medium, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased, while those of methyl tetrazolium cytotoxicity (MTT), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased. A possible mechanism for the cytotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles is also discussed.     

纳米活性炭,纳米二氧化硅和纳米二氧化钛对人胃肿瘤BGC-823细胞的毒性作用

目的探讨不同化学组成的纳米颗粒对人胃癌BGC-823细胞的毒性作用及其机制。方法分别以纳米活性炭(ACNP)、纳米二氧化硅(SiO2)和纳米二氧化钛(TiO2)100,200,400,800和1600mg·L-1悬液作用BGC-823细胞24,48和72h,MTT法检测细胞增殖,比色法检测乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)漏出量。ACNP100mg·L-1,纳米SiO2200mg·L-1,纳米TiO2200mg·L-1作用BGC-823细胞24h,透射电镜观察细胞形态及超微结构的影响。纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2100,200,400mg·L-1作用细胞24h后,AnnexinⅤ-FITC/PI双染法检测细胞凋亡。ACNP、纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2100,200mg·L-1作用细胞48h后,用PI染色法检测细胞周期。结果 ACNP,纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2均能明显抑制BGC-823细胞的增殖,作用72h后的IC50分别为874.2,676.2和883.5mg·L-1。与正常对照组相比,纳米SiO2100～800mg·L-1组LDH漏出量均显著升高,并呈浓度依赖性(r=0.9751,P<0.01),而纳米TiO2100mg·L-1作用细胞24h,LDH漏出量与对照组相比没有显著差异,但随着作用浓度增加和作用时间延长,各组LDH漏出量明显高于对照组(P<0.05)。ACNP100mg·L-1作用24h后,细胞出现细胞质浓缩、细胞核固缩和裂解。纳米SiO2200mg·L-1和纳米TiO2200mg·L-1作用24h后均出现细胞坏死。纳米颗粒ACNP,SiO2和TiO2作用组均可见纳米颗粒进入细胞及线粒体损伤。纳米SiO2100mg·L-1和纳米TiO2100mg·L-1作用24h,细胞坏死率与正常对照组(4.59±1.20)%相比显著升高(P<0.01),分别为(39.40±1.72)%和(14.12±0.90)%(P<0.05);细胞凋亡率与对照组相比没有显著差异。ACNP,纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2100和200mg·L-1作用细胞48h后,S期细胞增多,G0/G1期细胞减少,细胞碎片增多;ACNP组亚二倍体细胞增多。结论 ACNP、纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2能够抑制BGC-823细胞的增殖。ACNP可诱导细胞凋亡。纳米SiO2和纳米TiO2能损伤细胞膜,造成以细胞坏死为主的毒性损伤。     

Tissue distribution and excretion of intravenously administered titanium dioxide nanoparticles

As the biosafety of nanotechnology becomes a growing concern, the in vivo nanotoxicity of nanoparticles (NPs) has been drawn an increasing attention. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) have been developed for versatile use, but the pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered TiO₂-NPs have not been investigated extensively. In the present study, the rutile-type TiO₂-NPs with a size about 20 nm were labeled with CF680 and ¹²⁵I. The labeled TiO₂-NPs were injected in mice or rats with the concentration of 1 mg/ml and the dose of 10 mg/kg body weight and their tissue distribution and excretion were investigated by using ex vivo fluorescent imaging, γ-counter and TEM. The results indicated that the TiO₂-NPs mainly accumulated in liver and spleen and could be retained for over 30 days in these tissues due to the phagocytosis by macrophages. The excretion assay found that the excretory rate of TiO₂-NPs through urine was higher than that of feces, indicating that renal excretion was the main excretion pathway of TiO₂-NPs. Overall results of the present study provided important information on distribution and excretion of TiO₂-NPs in vivo, which would greatly promote the pharmacokinetics and in vivo nanotoxicity research of TiO₂-NPs.     

Analysis of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in cosmetics

There have been rapid increases in consumer products containing nanomaterials, raising concerns over the impact of nanoparticles (NPs) to humankind and the environment, but little information has been published about mineral filters in commercial sunscreens. It is urgent to develop methods to characterize the nanomaterials in products. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs in unmodified commercial sunscreens were characterized by laser scanning confocal microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that laser scanning confocal microscopy evaluated primary particle aggregates and dispersions but could not size NPs because of the diffraction limited resolution of optical microscopy (200 nm). Atomic force microscopy measurements required a pretreatment of the sunscreens or further calibration in phase analysis, but could not provide their elemental composition of commercial sunscreens. While XRD gave particle size and crystal information without a pretreatment of sunscreen, TEM analysis required dilution and dispersion of the commercial sunscreens before imaging. When coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, TEM afforded particle size information and compositional analysis. XRD characterization of six commercial sunscreens labeled as nanoparticles revealed that three samples contained TiO₂ NPs, among which two listed ZnO and TiO₂, and displayed average particle sizes of 15 nm, 21 nm, and 78 nm. However, no nanosized ZnO particles were found in any of the samples by XRD. In general, TEM can resolve nanomaterials that exhibit one or more dimensions between 1 nm and 100 nm, allowing the identification of ZnO and TiO₂ NPs in all six sunscreens and ZnO/TiO₂ mixtures in two of the samples. Overall, the combination of XRD and TEM was suitable for analyzing ZnO and TiO₂ NPs in commercial sunscreens.     

Gender difference in hepatic toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles after subchronic oral exposure in Sprague‐Dawley rats

Existing literature pointed out that the liver may be the target organ of toxicity induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) via oral exposure. Gender differences in health effects widely exist and relevant toxicological research is important for safety assessment. To explore the gender susceptibility of TiO₂ NP‐induced hepatic toxicity and the underlying mechanism, we examined female and male Sprague‐Dawley rats administrated with TiO₂ NPs orally at doses of 0, 2, 10 and 50 mg/kg body weight per day for 90 days. The serum biochemical indicators and liver pathological observation were used to assess hepatic toxicity. We found significant hepatic toxicity could be induced by subchronic oral exposure to TiO₂ NPs, which was more obvious and severe in female rats. No accumulation of TiO₂ NPs in the liver was observed, indicating that hepatic toxicity may not be caused through direct pathways. Oxidized glutathione, lipid peroxidation products increased significantly and reduced glutathione decreased significantly in the liver of rats in repeated TiO₂ NP‐exposed groups. Hematological parameters of white blood cells and inflammatory cytokines in serum including interleukin 1α, interleukin 4 and tumor necrosis factor also increased significantly. Indirect pathways through initiating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses were suggested as the possible mechanism of the hepatic toxicity in this experiment. The higher sensitivity to redox homeostasis imbalance and inflammation of female rats may be the main reason for gender differences. Our research suggested that gender should be a susceptible factor for identifying and monitoring long‐term oral toxicity of TiO₂ NPs.