Nanotoxicity of TiO(2) nanoparticles to erythrocyte in vitro

Author:

Li, Shi-Qiang  Zhu, Rong-Rong  Zhu, Hong  Xue, Meng  Sun, Xiao-Yu  Yao, Si-De  Wang, Shi-Long  

Journal:

FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY

Issue Date:

2008

Abstract(summary):

Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) has been considered as non-toxic mineral particles widely used in the fields like cosmetics, food and drug. When the scale come to nanometer, TiO(2) nanoparticles (nano-TiO(2)) exhibits multiple specific characteristics coupled with unknown risks on health. The purpose of this study was to systematically research the influence of nano-TiO(2) on erythrocyte. The results indicated that the erythrocytes treated with nano-TiO(2) underwent abnormal sedimentation. hemagglutination and dose dependent hemolysis, totally differing from those treated with micro-TiO(2). The ghost cells were firstly investigated by using ultra-thin cell section in the case under nano-TiO(2). The mechanism of such adverse effects is (1) the attachment around erythrocyte change the surface native properties and ultimately lead to hemoagglutination; (2) the content leak to the outside of erythrocyte through the breakage induced by both the nano-TiO(2) trans-membrane and the oxidative stress under nano-TiO(2). Our findings imply that nano-TiO(2) may have potential toxicity to human being health. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Page:

3626---3631