Toxicological impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) on human and environmental health

Fiordaliso, Fabio; Bigini, Paolo; Salmona, Mario; Diomede, Luisa

doi:10.1039/d1en00833a

Cited by 19 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 86 publications

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“…TiO 2 NPs are able to pass through biological membranes, enter the cells, and accumulate in tissues and organs, where they can exert toxic effects [ 14 ]. Although the integral translocation fraction of TiO 2 NPs across the air–blood barrier after inhalation is limited (0.15), it has been shown that inhaled TiO 2 NPs can be translocated via the lung–red blood cell–target organ axis, metabolized by the liver, and excreted via the urinary tract [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modulate Systemic Immune Response and Increase Levels of Reduced Glutathione in Mice after Seven-Week Inhalation

et al. 2023

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Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are used in a wide range of applications. Although inhalation of NPs is one of the most important toxicologically relevant routes, experimental studies on potential harmful effects of TiO2 NPs using a whole-body inhalation chamber model are rare. In this study, the profile of lymphocyte markers, functional immunoassays, and antioxidant defense markers were analyzed to evaluate the potential adverse effects of seven-week inhalation exposure to two different concentrations of TiO2 NPs (0.00167 and 0.1308 mg TiO2/m3) in mice. A dose-dependent effect of TiO2 NPs on innate immunity was evident in the form of stimulated phagocytic activity of monocytes in low-dose mice and suppressed secretory function of monocytes (IL-18) in high-dose animals. The effect of TiO2 NPs on adaptive immunity, manifested in the spleen by a decrease in the percentage of T-cells, a reduction in T-helper cells, and a dose-dependent decrease in lymphocyte cytokine production, may indicate immunosuppression in exposed mice. The dose-dependent increase in GSH concentration and GSH/GSSG ratio in whole blood demonstrated stimulated antioxidant defense against oxidative stress induced by TiO2 NP exposure.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modulate Systemic Immune Response and Increase Levels of Reduced Glutathione in Mice after Seven-Week Inhalation

et al. 2023

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“…According to European Union Regulations 2011/696/EU [ 22 ], E171 cannot be considered a nanomaterial because the number of NPs with a size range below 100 nm is less than 50%. However, the wide use of E171 in the daily products ingested by millions of consumers, as well as its possible dispersion into the environment, have raised awareness of its potential side effects on human and animal health [ 23 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

et al. 2022

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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.

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“…The latter is applied in a broad spectrum, ranging from paints to cosmetic products, such as sunscreen or toothpaste [ 1 , 2 , 5 ]. Additionally, the material is even found in food products as an additive (E 171; [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]). Probably due to its wide applicability, TiO 2 NPs are among the most produced nanomaterials in the world [ 9 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Several studies also indicate its potential in the field of agriculture (e.g., [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]). On the other hand, TiO 2 NPs can cause toxicological effects to eukaryotic cells (such as apoptosis and necrosis, see [ 17 ]), including potential risks to human well-being, as well as having detrimental environmental effects [ 6 , 18 ]. As put forward by Musial et al [ 5 ] for the area of human consumption, inconsistencies in results can be found when examining various studies, dealing with the impact of TiO 2 NPs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

TiO2 Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Eukaryotic Cells: A Double-Edged Sword

Gojznikar

Zdravković

Vidak

et al. 2022

IJMS

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Nanoparticulate TiO2 (TiO2 NPs) is a widely used material, whose potential toxicity towards eukaryotic cells has been addressed by multiple studies. TiO2 NPs are considered toxic due to their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can, among others, lead to cellular damage, inflammatory responses, and differences in gene expression. TiO2 NPs exhibited toxicity in multiple organs in animals, generating potential health risks also in humans, such as developing tumors or progress of preexisting cancer processes. On the other hand, the capability of TiO2 NPs to induce cell death has found application in photodynamic therapy of cancers. In aquatic environments, much has been done in understanding the impact of TiO2 on bivalves, in which an effect on hemocytes, among others, is reported. Adversities are also reported from other aquatic organisms, including primary producers. These are affected also on land and though some potential benefit might exist when it comes to agricultural plants, TiO2 can also lead to cellular damage and should be considered when it comes to transfer along the food chain towards human consumers. In general, much work still needs to be done to unravel the delicate balance between beneficial and detrimental effects of TiO2 NPs on eukaryotic cells.

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Toxicological impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and food-grade titanium dioxide (E171) on human and environmental health

Abstract: The widespread use of TiO2 as pigment, mostly in the form of nanoparticles (NPs), for a variety of applications, arouses increasing concerns about its possible impact on human health and...

Cited by 19 publications

References 86 publications

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modulate Systemic Immune Response and Increase Levels of Reduced Glutathione in Mice after Seven-Week Inhalation

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Modulate Systemic Immune Response and Increase Levels of Reduced Glutathione in Mice after Seven-Week Inhalation

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

TiO2 Nanoparticles and Their Effects on Eukaryotic Cells: A Double-Edged Sword

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