Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: Prospects and Applications in Medicine

Abstract

Metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs), including titanium dioxide NPs, among polymeric NPs, liposomes, micelles, quantum dots, dendrimers, or fullerenes, are becoming more and more important due to their potential use in novel medical therapies. Titanium dioxide (titanium(IV) oxide, titania, TiO2) is an inorganic compound that owes its recent rise in scientific interest to photoactivity. After the illumination in aqueous media with UV light, TiO2 produces an array of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The capability to produce ROS and thus induce cell death has found application in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of a wide range of maladies, from psoriasis to cancer. Titanium dioxide NPs were studied as photosensitizing agents in the treatment of malignant tumors as well as in photodynamic inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Both TiO2 NPs themselves, as well as their composites and combinations with other molecules or biomolecules, can be successfully used as photosensitizers in PDT. Moreover, various organic compounds can be grafted on TiO2 nanoparticles, leading to hybrid materials. These nanostructures can reveal increased light absorption, allowing their further use in targeted therapy in medicine. In order to improve efficient anticancer and antimicrobial therapies, many approaches utilizing titanium dioxide were tested. Results of selected studies presenting the scope of potential uses are discussed in this review.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Induce an Adverse Effect on Blood Glucose Levels Depending On the Dose and Route of Administration in Healthy and Diabetic Rats

“…On the other hand, in the balance of benefits versus toxicology of metal nanoparticles for the treatment of mellitus diabetes, different studies have described that metal nanoparticles (silver, gold, cooper, selenium, magnesium, cerium oxide, titanium dioxide [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ] and zinc oxide possess antihyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats after daily treatment for different periods [ 8 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Toxicity of TiO2 Nanoparticles: Validation of Alternative Models

“…They are also useful in many cosmetics applications such as in makeup, sunscreen, toothpastes and personal care products [1,2]. In the medical domain, TiO 2 NP are used as components for prosthetic implants (hip, knees, dental implants) or in intravenous injection [3][4][5]. TiO 2 NP are also found in other various applications like paint, glass, electronic and water treatment industries [6][7][8][9][10].…”

Safety Evaluation of TiO2 Nanoparticle-Based Sunscreen UV Filters on the Development and the Immunological State of the Sea Urchin Paracentrotus lividus

“…Based on the notion that the silica coating of commercial TiO 2 NP-based UV filters undergoes a fast degradation once released into aquatic media (88–98% silica removal within 96 h) [ 44 ], we speculated that the T-AVO in contact with cells after 72 h of exposure consisted of mainly pure rutile. Worth noting is the fact that not only the shape but also the crystal composition of TiO 2 particles (e.g., T-AVO: Pure rutile; P25: Anatase:Rutile) makes their use more or less safe, as documented in the literature [ 45 ].…”