Biodistribution and Clearance of TiO2 Nanoparticles in Rats after Intravenous Injection

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Toxicology

Background:

• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used.
• Concerns exist regarding their potential toxicity and body penetration.
• Previous research focused on oral, dermal, or respiratory exposure routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate TiO2 nanoparticle biodistribution and clearance after intravenous injection.
• To assess potential toxicological effects following intravenous administration.
• To understand TiO2 translocation within the bloodstream.

Main Methods:

• Intravenous injection of TiO2 nanoparticles.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) for quantification.
• Transmission electron microscopy and histological analysis for accumulation and effects.
• Clinical biomarker analysis over 56 days.

Main Results:

• TiO2 nanoparticles accumulated in the liver, lungs, and spleen.
• The estimated half-life of TiO2 nanoparticles in the body was approximately 10 days.
• No toxicological effects were observed in the lungs, blood, liver, spleen, or kidneys at concentrations of 7.7 to 9.4 mg/kg.

Conclusions:

• Intravenous injection of TiO2 nanoparticles leads to organ accumulation.
• TiO2 nanoparticles exhibit a half-life of about 10 days.
• No significant toxicological impact was detected at the tested dose range.