Food-Grade Titanium Dioxide Induces Toxicity in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and Acute Hepatic and Pulmonary Responses in Mice

Abstract

Food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) contains variable percentages of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs), posing concerns for its potential effects on human and animal health. Despite many studies, the actual relationship between the physicochemical properties of E171 NPs and their interaction with biological targets is still far from clear. We evaluated the impact of acute E171 administration on invertebrate and vertebrate animals. In the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, the administration of up to 1.0 mg/mL of E171 did not affect the worm’s viability and lifespan, but significantly impaired its pharyngeal function, reproduction, and development. We also investigated whether the intravenous administration of E171 in mice (at the dose of 6 mg/kg/body weight) could result in an acute over-absorption of filter organs. A significant increase of hepatic titanium concentration and the formation of microgranulomas were observed. Interstitial inflammation and parenchymal modification were found in the lungs, coupled with titanium accumulation. This was probably due to the propensity of TiO2 NPs to agglomerate, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy experiments showing that the incubation of E171 with serum promoted the formation of compact clusters. Overall, these data emphasize the actual risk for human and animal exposure to E171.

Positron Emission Tomography Studies of the Biodistribution, Translocation, and Fate of Poly Allyl Amine‐Based Carriers for Sirna Delivery by Systemic and Intratumoral Administration

“…Lung accumulation of the polyplexes and formation of microemboli and clots can have severe consequences, especially in a long-term administration, as they can produce severe lung inflammation and thrombosis. [23,24] Lung accumulation of PAH based polyplexes would limit their therapeutic use in systemic administration. PAH based polyplexes are also found in the liver, where they are probably captured by Kupfer cells.…”

Variations in Biodistribution and Acute Response of Differently Shaped Titania Nanoparticles in Healthy Rodents

“…Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis, in which the amount of elemental Ti was determined, was carried out following previously published protocols for other NP materials [ 8 , 17 , 20 , 21 ]. The samples were first digested by the addition of 3 mL of ultra-pure (67 wt%) HNO 3 (Fisher Chemical, Milan, Italy) under constant agitation in 50 mL falcon tubes for 72 h at 22°C, until the solution became clear and no organics (i.e., rests of tissue) were left in the tube.…”

Microfluidic Devices: A Tool for Nanoparticle Synthesis and Performance Evaluation

“…These small organisms have mainly been used to acquire knowledge about embryonic development. For example, the zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) has been applied to study the genetic effects of human diseases and drug screening. − The fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster ) was extensively used to study genetic mutations, heredity, as well as biological processes, including embryonic development, learning, behavior, and aging. − Finally, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been used as a model for research in molecular biology, medicine, pharmacology, and toxicology. − …”