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Cell-Biological Response and Sub-Toxic Inflammatory Effects of Titanium Dioxide Particles with Defined Polymorphic
Marina Breisch1, Mateusz Olejnik2, Kateryna Loza2
1BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Surgical Research, Ruhr University of Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Titanium dioxide particle properties like size and shape did not significantly impact macrophage responses. However, a rough surface on rutile microspheres induced pro-inflammatory reactions, highlighting surface texture
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely used, necessitating an understanding of their biological interactions.
- Particle characteristics such as size, shape, and crystal structure can influence nanoparticle toxicity and cellular responses.
- Assessing the sub-toxic effects of various TiO2 particle types on macrophages is crucial for safety evaluations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the sub-toxic cellular responses of macrophages to six different types of titanium dioxide particles.
- To determine if particle size, shape, or crystal structure influences cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, and cell migration.
- To evaluate the role of surface roughness in mediating pro-inflammatory responses.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of six TiO2 particle types (nanorods, sub-microrods, microspheres) with defined size, shape, and polymorphic form (rutile, anatase, amorphous).
- Assessment of particle uptake, cytotoxicity, and ROS induction in NR8383 macrophages up to 100 µg mL⁻¹.
- Evaluation of particle-induced cell migration assay (PICMA) and the effect of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) coating.
Main Results:
- All TiO2 particle types were readily taken up by macrophages.
- Cytotoxicity and ROS induction were negligible for most particles, except for rutile microspheres with rough surfaces.
- Particle-induced cell migration was comparable across all TiO2 types and control silica nanoparticles, showing no clear trend with physical properties, but rough rutile microspheres induced pro-inflammatory reactions.
Conclusions:
- Macrophage responses to TiO2 particles are not solely predictable by size, shape, or crystal structure.
- Surface roughness, exemplified by rutile microspheres, plays a significant role in inducing pro-inflammatory reactions.
- Further research into surface properties is essential for a comprehensive understanding of nanoparticle biological effects.
