Anti-angiogenic effect of bare titanium dioxide nanoparticles on pathologic neovascularization without unbearable toxicity

Local application requires fewer nanoparticles than systemic delivery to achieve effective concentration. In this study, we investigated the potential toxicity and efficacy of bare titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles by local administration into the eye. Mono-disperse, 20 nm-size TiO₂ nanoparticles did not affect the viability of retinal constituent cells within certain range of concentrations (~ 1.30 μg/mL). Furthermore, local delivery of TiO₂ nanoparticles did not induce any significant toxicity at the level of gene expression and histologic integrity in the retina of C57BL/6 mice. Interestingly, at the low concentration (130 ng/mL) without definite toxicity, these nanoparticles suppressed in vitro angiogenesis processes and in vivo retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice when they are administered intravitreally. Taken together, our results demonstrate that even TiO₂ nanoparticles can be safely utilized for the treatment of retinal diseases at the adequate concentration levels, especially through local administration.From the Clinical EditorIn this paper the local application of titanium dioxide is described as a local treatment for retinal diseases associated with neovascularization. While these nanoparticles have known systemic toxicity, this work demonstrates that when applied locally in a mouse model, they can be used without observable toxicity even in their native forms.