Correlating Nanoscale Titania Structure with Toxicity: A Cytotoxicity and Inflammatory Response Study with Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Human Lung Epithelial Cells

• DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfj197
• Publication Date: 2006-04-14T00:14:40Z
• Authors: Christie M. Sayes; Rajeev Wahi; Preetha A. Kurian; Yunping Liu; Jennifer L. West; Kevin D. Ausman; David B. Warheit; Vicki L. Colvin
• Keywords: Ex vivo; Titanium Dioxide; Nanomaterials; Rutile; Environmental toxicology

Nanocrystalline titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) is an important material used in commerce today. When designed appropriately it can generate reactive species (RS) quite efficiently, particularly under ultraviolet (UV) illumination; this feature exploited applications ranging from self-cleaning glass to low-cost solar cells. In study, we characterize the toxicity of class nanomaterials ambient (e.g., no significant light illumination) conditions cell culture. Only at relatively high concentrations (100 μg/ml) nanoscale titania did observe cytotoxicity and inflammation; these cellular responses exhibited classic dose-response behavior, effects increased with time exposure. The extent which affected behavior was not dependent on sample surface area study; smaller nanoparticlulate materials had comparable larger nanoparticle materials. What correlate strongly cytotoxicity, however, phase composition titania. Anatase TiO2, for example, 100 times more toxic than equivalent rutile TiO2. most cytotoxic samples were also effective generating oxygen species; ex vivo RS generation UV illumination correlated well observed biological response. These data suggest that nano-TiO2 optimized production photocatalysis are likely damaging result highlights role measures play developing screens cytotoxicity.