Nano-titanium nitride causes developmental toxicity in zebrafish through oxidative stress

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterial safety
• Developmental toxicology
• Zebrafish models

Background:

• Nano-titanium nitride (Nano-TiN) possesses desirable properties like wear resistance and biocompatibility.
• Nano-TiN is extensively used in medical implants and jewelry.
• Limited safety evaluations exist for Nano-TiN exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the developmental toxicity of Nano-TiN in zebrafish embryos.
• To determine the dose- and time-dependent effects of Nano-TiN exposure.
• To explore the underlying mechanisms of Nano-TiN toxicity, including oxidative stress.

Main Methods:

• Zebrafish embryos were exposed to varying concentrations of Nano-TiN for five days post fertilization.
• Developmental endpoints such as mortality, deformities, body length, hatching rate, and motility were assessed.
• Biomarkers of oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species, antioxidant capacity) and gene expression (antioxidant genes) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Nano-TiN exposure led to significant dose- and time-dependent increases in mortality and deformities.
• Reduced body length, hatching rate, and motility were observed with increasing Nano-TiN exposure.
• Nano-TiN affected the development of vital organs and induced oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated reactive oxygen species, reduced antioxidant capacity, and downregulation of antioxidant genes (e.g., nrf2, ho-1).

Conclusions:

• Nano-TiN exhibits developmental and organ toxicity in zebrafish embryos.
• The observed toxic effects are dose- and time-dependent.
• Oxidative stress is a likely mechanism underlying Nano-TiN-induced toxicity.