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

Abstract

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.

Unveiling the Potential of Bioinoculants and Nanoparticles in Sustainable Agriculture for Enhanced Plant Growth and Food Security

“…Its chemical stability, safe handling, and biocompatibility are among the factors for its extensive usage. There are three distinct crystalline forms of titanium dioxide [86], and they are called anatase, rutile, and brookite. Anatase and rutile both have a tetragonal architecture.…”

“…In addition to improving plant growth and soil quality, TiO 2 is also used to remediate contaminated soil. TiO 2 is a photocatalyst that can break down organic pollutants in soil into nontoxic byproducts [86]. The photocatalytic degradation process involves the absorption of light by the TiO 2 , which excites electrons and causes them to transfer to the conduction band.…”

“…As a result, research into nanomaterials' effects on PGPB has been conducted to enhance the efficiency with which bacteria function in plants [93]. The researchers in [52,86,94] showed that vermiculite and saponite nanoparticles (NPs) stimulated bacterial proliferation at 1.5 and 2.5 g/L values, respectively. They also observed that vermiculite NPs boosted dehydrogenase function in Azotobacter vinelandii and peroxidase function in B. subtilis.…”

Interaction of Nanomaterials with Cells and Tissues

“…Gojznikar et al [11] presented a review on the positive and negative effects of the potentially toxic photocatalytic TiO 2 NPs properties on eukaryotic cells of both mammalian and non-mammalian origin. There is evidence that if ingested, TiO 2 NPs can lead to inflammation of the colon mucosa and induce apoptosis, necrosis, and necroptosis in human and other eukaryotic cells [12].…”

Computational, Investigational Explorations on Structural, Electro-Optic Behavior of Pelargonidin Organic Colorant for TiO2 Based DSSCs

“…Energy researchers are exploring abundantly available natural resources in their quest for global clean alternate energy sources with a low carbon footprint. Through the photoelectric effect, solar energy, a prominent renewable energy source, can be harnessed via various solar cells [1][2][3][4]. Among these, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have a lower cost per watt production cost due to their ease of fabrication, relatively simple method and equipment compatible with mass production, and variety of applications such as wearable devices, indoor photovoltaic windows, and so on [5].…”