Comparable Toxicity of Surface-Modified TiO₂ Nanoparticles: An In Vivo Experimental Study on Reproductive Toxicity in...

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterial safety
• Toxicology
• Reproductive health

Background:

• Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are widely used globally.
• Concerns exist regarding TiO2 NP safety and exposure risks.
• Evidence on TiO2 NP reproductive toxicity is ambiguous.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the toxicity of pristine TiO2 NPs with surface-modified TiO2/SA and TiO2/5-ASA NPs.
• To evaluate effects on female reproductive organs (ovaries, oviducts, uterus) after acute oral exposure.
• To assess potential mitigation of TiO2 NP toxicity by surface modifications.

Main Methods:

• Acute oral administration of pristine and modified TiO2 NPs.
• Assessment of body mass, food/water intake, and organ-to-body mass ratios.
• Analysis of hormonal status, tissue histology, and antioxidant parameters.

Main Results:

• TiO2/5-ASA modification appeared to mitigate some toxic effects of TiO2 NPs.
• Observed alterations in reproductive organ health and biochemical markers.
• Pristine TiO2 NPs showed some adverse effects on reproductive parameters.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification, particularly with 5-ASA, may reduce TiO2 NP toxicity.
• Further investigation into safer NP designs is warranted.
• Developing less harmful TiO2 NPs could balance benefits and risks.