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DNA can sediment TiO2 particles and decrease the uptake potential by mammalian cells
Tatsushi Toyooka1, Takeharu Amano, Hiroshi Suzuki
1Laboratory of Radiation Biology, Institute for Environmental Science, Graduate School of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan.
The Science of the Total Environment
|January 20, 2009
Summary
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) effectively recovers tiny titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles from solutions, preventing environmental release and potential toxicity. This DNA-based method aids in complete particle separation and reduces organism uptake.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are increasingly used across industries.
- The small size of TiO2 particles poses recovery challenges and environmental toxicity risks.
- Preventing environmental release of TiO2 necessitates efficient separation and recovery methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in separating and recovering TiO2 particles from aqueous solutions.
- To assess the impact of DNA-mediated separation on the potential for TiO2 particle uptake by human cells.
- To explore DNA as a tool for mitigating "small-size specific toxicity" associated with TiO2.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DNA as a separation agent for TiO2 particles (60-500 nm) in aqueous solutions.
- Observed sedimentation of TiO2 particles after DNA addition using visual inspection and transmission electron microscopy.
- Assessed the translocation of DNA-treated TiO2 particles into human keratinocyte and skin fibroblast cell lines.
Main Results:
- Small amounts of DNA (25-100 microg/10 ml) completely sedimented TiO2 particles (20 mg/10 ml) within 4 hours, compared to 72 hours for untreated suspensions.
- Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of TiO2-DNA aggregates, leading to enhanced sedimentation.
- DNA-treated TiO2 particles exhibited reduced translocation into human cell lines.
Conclusions:
- DNA is a highly effective agent for the rapid and complete separation of TiO2 particles from aqueous solutions.
- DNA-mediated aggregation of TiO2 particles significantly reduces their potential to be taken up by human cells.
- This DNA-based approach offers a promising strategy to prevent "small-size specific toxicity" and environmental contamination by TiO2.
