Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles: A Review of Toxicological Effects

Abstract

There is an increased interest in nanotechnology applications in various fields e.g. medicine, pharmacy, environmental protection and agriculture. Due to an increasing scope of applications, the exposure of humans to nanoparticles (NPs) is inevitable. In a wide group of nanoparticles currently used on an industrial scale, titanium dioxide nanoparticles—TiO2NPs—are particularly popular. They are commonly used as a food additive (E 171). The possible risk to health after consuming food containing nanoparticles has been poorly explored but it is supposed that the toxicity of nanoparticles depends on their size, morphology, rate of migration and amount consumed. TiO2NPs can induce inflammation due to oxidative stress. They can also have a genotoxic effect leading to apoptosis or chromosomal instability. This article provides a review of previous studies concerning the effects of exposure to TiO2NPs on a living organism (human, animal) in order to demonstrate potential toxicity of inorganic nanoparticles on human health.