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Assessing Disaster Resilience of Concrete with Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Published on: November 14, 2025
The effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on pulmonary surfactant function and ultrastructure
Carsten Schleh1, Christian Mühlfeld, Karin Pulskamp
1Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Division of Immunology, Allergology and Airway Research, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str, 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany. carsten.schleh@item.fraunhofer.de
Respiratory Research
|October 2, 2009
Summary
Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanosized particles impair pulmonary surfactant function and alter its structure, unlike microsized particles. Particle size and surface area are critical factors influencing the biophysical response in the lungs.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary science
- Nanotoxicology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension in alveoli, where inhaled nanoparticles deposit.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) particles, both nanosized (NSP) and microsized (MSP), are investigated for their effects on surfactant function.
- The study examines direct particle contact and surface area cycling impacts on surfactant biophysics and ultrastructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of TiO(2) NSP and MSP on pulmonary surfactant's biophysical function.
- To assess TiO(2) effects on surfactant structure after direct contact and surface area cycling.
- To determine the role of particle size and surface area in TiO(2)-induced surfactant alterations.
Main Methods:
- Porcine surfactant was incubated with varying concentrations of TiO(2) NSP or MSP.
- Biophysical surfactant function was measured using a pulsating bubble surfactometer.
- Surfactant ultrastructure was analyzed via transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- TiO(2) NSP, but not MSP, significantly impaired surfactant function, increasing surface tension.
- NSP exposure during surface area cycling led to substantial increases in adsorption and minimum surface tension.
- TiO(2) NSP caused ultrastructural damage, deforming lamellar bodies and forming vesicles.
Conclusions:
- TiO(2) nanosized particles alter pulmonary surfactant structure and function.
- Particle size is a critical determinant of the biophysical response of surfactant to TiO(2).
- Surface area dynamics play a crucial role in TiO(2)-induced surfactant dysfunction in the lungs.
