Combination of bioanalytical approaches and quantitative proteomics for the elucidation of the toxicity mechanisms associated to TiO2 nanoparticles exposure in human keratinocytes

Assessing inorganic nanoparticle toxicity through omics approaches

In the last two decades, the development of nanotechnology has resulted in inorganic nanoparticles playing crucial roles in key industries, ranging from healthcare to energy technologies. For instance, gold and silver nanoparticles are widely used in rapid COVID-19 and flu tests, titania and zinc oxide nanoparticles are commonly found in cosmetic products, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been clinically exploited as contrast agents and anti-anemia medicines. As a result, human exposure to nanomaterials is continuously increasing, raising concerns about their potential adverse health effects. Historically, the study of nanoparticle toxicity has largely relied on macroscopic observations obtained in different in vitro and in vivo models, resulting in readouts such as median lethal dose, biodistribution profile, and/or histopathological assessment. In recent years, omics methodologies, including transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics, are increasingly used to characterize the biological interactions of nanomaterials, providing a better and broader understanding of their impact and mechanisms of toxicity. These approaches have been able to identify important genes and gene products that mediate toxicological effects, as well as endogenous functions and pathways dysregulated by nanoparticles. Omics methods improve our understanding of nanoparticle biology, and unravel mechanistic insights into nanomedicine-based therapies. This review aims to provide a deeper understanding and new perspectives of omics approaches to characterize the toxicity and biological interactions of inorganic nanoparticles, and improve the safety of nanoparticle applications.

Photocatalytic effect of N-TiO2 conjugated with folic acid against biofilm-forming resistant bacteria

Antibiotic resistance challenges the treatment of bacterial biofilm-related infections, but the use of nanoparticles as a treatment is a promising strategy to overcome bacterial infections. This study applied nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) conjugated with folic acid (FA) on biofilm-forming resistant bacteria. The photocatalytic effect of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was studied under ultraviolet (UV), visible light, and dark conditions at 60, 120, and 180 min against planktonic cells and biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. TiO2 NPs were in the anatase phase, spherical shaped with sizes of 10-13 nm, and effectively doped and conjugated with N and FA. The FA-conjugated nanoparticles (N-TiO2-FA and FA-TiO2) were shown to have a bactericidal effect on all bacteria between 60 and 180 min under UV and visible light conditions. Concerning biofilms, N-TiO2-FA was shown to have a highly disruptive effect on all bacterial biofilms under UV irradiation at 180 min. Meanwhile, the nanoparticles did not show DNA damaging potential and they had no cytostatic effect, indicating that these NPs are biocompatible. In sum, nanoparticle conjugation with FA promoted photocatalytic effectiveness, revealing the promise this nanomaterial holds as a biocompatible antimicrobial agent.

Novelty Cosmetic Filters Based on Nanomaterials Composed of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

The following work describes the synthesis of new physical filters based on TiO₂/SiO₂ and TiO₂/Ag nanostructures. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were applied as control material and a popular physical UV filter. The advantage of using materials on the nanometer scale is the elimination of the skin whitening effect that occurs when using photoprotective cosmetics containing titanium dioxide on a macro scale. In addition, the silica coating makes the material less harmful, and the silver coating enriches the material with antibacterial properties. Nanoparticles and nanostructures have been characterized by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) methods. Due to the use of physical filters in anti-radiation protection cosmetics, water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion has been prepared. All cosmetic formulations have been tested for stability. The sun protection research with the Sun Protection Diagnostic SP37 was carried out. These studies made it possible to determine the natural sun protection time and to compare the synthesized materials. Furthermore, one of the most important parameters when describing this type of cosmetic is water resistance, which has also been measured. The results show that the new type of material of TiO₂/Ag used as a new physical filter in emulsion W/O shows the best sun protection compared with other obtained nanomaterials. It is most likely due to the improved optical properties of the combination of noble metals, for example, silver with TiO₂.

Effect of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Mammalian Cell Cycle In Vitro: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although most studies that explore the cytotoxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂) have focused on cell viability and oxidative stress, the cell cycle, a basic process of cell life, can also be affected. However, the results on the effects of nano-TiO₂ on mammalian cell cycle are still inconsistent. A systematic review and meta-analysis were therefore performed in this research based on the effects of nano-TiO₂ on the mammalian cell cycle in vitro to explore whether nano-TiO₂ can induce cell cycle arrest. Meanwhile, the impact of physicochemical properties of nano-TiO₂ on the cell cycle in vitro was investigated, and the response of normal cells and cancer cells was compared. A total of 33 articles met the eligibility criteria after screening. We used Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.1 for analysis. The results showed an increased percentage of cells in the sub-G1 phase and an upregulation of the p53 gene after being exposed to nano-TiO₂. Nevertheless, nano-TiO₂ had no effect on cell percentage in other phases of the cell cycle. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that the cell percentage in both the sub-G1 phase of normal cells and S phase of cancer cells were significantly increased under anatase-form nano-TiO₂ treatment. Moreover, nano-TiO₂ with a particle size <25 nm or exposure duration of nano-TiO₂ more than 24 h induced an increased percentage of normal cells in the sub-G1 phase. In addition, the cell cycle of cancer cells was arrested in the S phase no matter if the exposure duration of nano-TiO₂ was more than 24 h or the exposure concentration was over 50 μg/mL. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that nano-TiO₂ disrupted the cell cycle in vitro. The cell cycle arrest induced by nano-TiO₂ varies with cell status and physicochemical properties of nano-TiO₂.

Antagonistic Skin Toxicity of Co-Exposure to Physical Sunscreen Ingredients Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles

Being the main components of physical sunscreens, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) are often used together in different brands of sunscreen products with different proportions. With the broad use of cosmetics containing these nanoparticles (NPs), concerns regarding their joint skin toxicity are becoming more and more prominent. In this study, the co-exposure of these two NPs in human-derived keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the in vitro reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) model EpiSkin was performed to verify their joint skin effect. The results showed that ZnO NPs significantly inhibited cell proliferation and caused deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in a dose-dependent manner to HaCaT cells, which could be rescued with co-exposure to TiO₂ NPs. Further mechanism studies revealed that TiO₂ NPs restricted the cellular uptake of both aggregated ZnO NPs and non-aggregated ZnO NPs and meanwhile decreased the dissociation of Zn²⁺ from ZnO NPs. The reduced intracellular Zn²⁺ ultimately made TiO₂ NPs perform an antagonistic effect on the cytotoxicity caused by ZnO NPs. Furthermore, these joint skin effects induced by NP mixtures were validated on the epidermal model EpiSkin. Taken together, the results of the current research contribute new insights for understanding the dermal toxicity produced by co-exposure of different NPs and provide a valuable reference for the development of formulas for the secure application of ZnO NPs and TiO₂ NPs in sunscreen products.

Proteomic Response of Aedes aegypti Larvae to Silver/Silver Chloride Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis Metabolites

Simple Summary

Aedes aegypti is a vector of important mosquito-borne diseases. Green synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to control the larvae of mosquitoes including A. aegypti. However, the molecular responses of A. aegypti larvae to green synthesized NPs remain unexplored. This work analyzed protein expression in A. aegypti larvae in response to treatment using green synthesized silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl NPs) based on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Fifteen differentially expressed protein spots were selected for identification using mass spectrometry. The results showed that the six upregulated proteins in A. aegypti larvae responsible for green synthesized Ag/AgCl NP treatment were involved in mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA and protein damage, inhibition of cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis, implying the modes of actions of Ag/AgCl NPs. This finding has provided greater insight into the possible mechanisms of green synthesized Ag/AgCl NPs on the control of A. aegypti larvae.

Abstract

Silver/silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl NPs) are an alternative approach to control the larvae of Aedes aegypti, a vector of mosquito-borne diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms of Ag/AgCl NPs to A. aegypti have not been reported. In this work, Ag/AgCl NPs were synthesized using supernatant, mixed toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti), and heterologously expressed Cry4Aa and Cry4Ba toxins. The images from scanning electron microscopy revealed that the Ag/AgCl NPs were spherical in shape with a size range of 25–100 nm. The larvicidal activity against A. aegypti larvae revealed that the Ag/AgCl NPs synthesized using the supernatant of Bti exhibited higher toxicity (LC₅₀ = 0.133 μg/mL) than the Ag/AgCl NPs synthesized using insecticidal proteins (LC₅₀ = 0.148–0.217 μg/mL). The proteomic response to Ag/AgCl NPs synthesized using the supernatant of Bti in A. aegypti larvae was compared to the ddH₂O-treated control. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis revealed 110 differentially expressed proteins, of which 15 were selected for identification using mass spectrometry. Six upregulated proteins (myosin I heavy chain, heat shock protein 70, the F₀F₁-type ATP synthase beta subunit, methyltransferase, protein kinase, and condensin complex subunit 3) that responded to Ag/AgCl NP treatment in A. aegypti were reported for NP treatments in different organisms. These results suggested that possible mechanisms of action of Ag/AgCl NPs on A. aegypti larvae are: mitochondrial dysfunction, DNA and protein damage, inhibition of cell proliferation, and cell apoptosis. The findings from this work provide greater insight into the action of green synthesized Ag/AgCl NPs on the control of A. aegypti larvae.

Functionalized Titanium Nanoparticles Induce Oxidative Stress and Cell Death in Human Skin Cells

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Patch test-relevant concentrations of metal salts cause localized cytotoxicity, including apoptosis, in skin ex vivo

Background

Metal alloys containing contact sensitizers (nickel, palladium, titanium) are extensively used in medical devices, in particular dentistry and orthopaedic surgery. The skin patch test is used to test for metal allergy.

Objective

To determine whether metal salts, when applied to freshly excised skin at patch test–relevant concentrations and using a method which mimics skin patch testing, cause in changes in the epidermis and dermis.

Methods

Tissue histology, apoptosis, metabolic activity, and inflammatory cytokine release were determined for two nickel salts, two palladium salts, and four titanium salts.

Results

Patch test–relevant concentrations of all metal salts caused localized cytotoxicity. This was observed as epidermis separation at the basement membrane zone, formation of vacuoles, apoptotic nuclei, decreased metabolic activity, and (pro)inflammatory cytokine release. Nickel(II) sulfate hexahydrate, nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate, titanium(IV) bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide, and calcium titanate were highly cytotoxic. Palladium(II) chloride, sodium tetrachloropalladate(II), titanium(IV) isopropoxide, and titanium(IV) dioxide showed mild cytotoxicity.

Conclusion

The patch test in itself may be damaging to the skin of the patient being tested. These results need further verification with biopsies obtained during clinical patch testing. The future challenge is to remain above the elicitation threshold at noncytotoxic metal concentrations.

Biosafety risk assessment of nanoparticles: Evidence from food case studies

Nanotechnology provides a wide range of benefits in the food industry in improving food tastes, textures, sensations, quality, shelf life, and food safety. Recently, potential adverse effects such as toxicity and safety concerns have been associated with the increasing use of engineered nanoparticles in food industry. Additionally, very limited information is known concerning the behavior, properties and effects of food nano-materials in the gastrointestinal tract. There is explores the current advances and provides insights of the potential risks of nanoparticles in the food industry. Specifically, characteristics of food nanoparticles and their absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, the effects of food nanoparticles against the gastrointestinal microflora, and the potential toxicity mechanisms in different organs and body systems are discussed. This review would provide references for further investigation of nano-materials toxicity effect in foods and their molecular mechanisms. It will help to develop safer foods and expand nano-materials applications in safe manner.

New insights into the cellular mechanism of triclosan-induced dermal toxicity from a combined metabolomic and lipidomic approach

Triclosan (TCS), an antimicrobial chemical, has been widely used in consumer goods and personal care products. Despite skin is the crucial entry of TCS into human body, previous studies mainly focused on the potential health risks after TCS absorption. Considering in vivo evidences have indicated that topical use of TCS could lead to serious skin lesions, it is thus in urgent need to unveil the underlying mechanisms of dermal toxicity caused by TCS application. In this study, mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and lipidomics were applied to investigate TCS-induced changes of endogenous small molecular metabolites and lipids in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Metabolic biomarker analysis revealed that TCS exposure was associated with the elevation of purine and glutathione metabolism, down-regulation of amino acid metabolism and dysregulation of lipid metabolism in keratinocytes. These intracellular metabolic disorders consequently led to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accumulation of ammonia. TCS-induced oxidative stress was further validated in human HaCaT cells, functioning as the crucial factor for the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines that triggered inflammation and lipid disturbances related to cell apoptosis. Our findings update the existing understanding of skin health risks of TCS application at the molecular level.

Development of a nanotechnological-based hydrogel containing a novel benzofuroazepine compound in association with vitamin E: An in vitro biological safety and photoprotective hydrogel

This study aimed to evaluate the potential DNA photoprotection of nano-based hydrogels containing a novel benzofuroazepine molecule. Photoprotective property of three benzofuroazepine derivative compounds was assessed by determining a UV light absorptive profile. Nanocapsule suspensions (Eudragit® RS 100 as polymeric wall and medium-chain triglyceride or vitamin E as oil core) containing the benzofuroazepine compound that had the best UV spectral absorption were developed and physicochemically characterized. Photostability assay, bioadhesive property as well as preliminary toxicity parameters (HET-CAM and Artemia salina lethality assays) for free or nanoencapsulated forms were assessed. Among the molecules, the UV absorbance spectrum of free MBBA showed a broad and high intensity absorbance at UVB and UVA ranges. MBBA-nanocapsule suspensions had nanometric and homogeneous size distribution, bioadhesiveness property, and increased the UV light scattering in comparison to the free compound. Besides, all formulations triggered no irritative responses and the nanoencapsulation mitigated the toxic effect to Artemia salina observed to free MBBA. Following, hydrogels were prepared by thickening nanocapsule suspensions with gellan gum and their DNA photoprotection properties were determined by the exposure of DNA samples to the UVB and UVA radiation. Hydrogels showed acid pH values, compound content close to the theoretical value (3 mg/g), particle size in nanometric range, and spreadability profile suitable for cutaneous application. All MBBA hydrogels were effective against photoproducts formation induced by UVB and UVA radiation. In conclusion, these data show the identification of a compound with promising UV absorptive potential and the preparation of a final nano-based hydrogel for cutaneous application.

In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the toxicity associated to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots exposure

The use of different types of quantum dots is growing in recent times in both the technology and biomedical industries. Such is the extension of the use of these quantum dots that they have become potential emerging contaminants, which makes it necessary to evaluate their potential toxicity and the impact they may have on both health and the environment. Although studies already exist in this regard, the molecular mechanisms by which CdSe/ZnS quantum dots exert their toxic effects are still unknown. For this reason, in this study, a comprehensive proteomic approach has been designed, applying the SILAC strategy to an in-vitro model (hepatic cells) and the super-SILAC alternative to an in-vivo model, specifically zebrafish larvae. This integral approach, together with additional bioanalytical assays, has made it possible for the identification of proteins, molecular mechanisms and, therefore, biological processes that are altered as a consequence of exposure to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots. It has been demonstrated, on the one hand, that these quantum dots induce hypoxia and ROS generation in hepatic cells, which leads to apoptosis, specifically through the TDP-43 pathway. On the other hand, it has been shown that exposure to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots has a high impact on developing organisms, inducing serious neural and developmental problems in the locomotor system.

Possible Adverse Effects of Food Additive E171 (Titanium Dioxide) Related to Particle Specific Human Toxicity, Including the Immune System

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is used as a food additive (E171) and can be found in sauces, icings, and chewing gums, as well as in personal care products such as toothpaste and pharmaceutical tablets. Along with the ubiquitous presence of TiO₂ and recent insights into its potentially hazardous properties, there are concerns about its application in commercially available products. Especially the nano-sized particle fraction (<100 nm) of TiO₂ warrants a more detailed evaluation of potential adverse health effects after ingestion. A workshop organized by the Dutch Office for Risk Assessment and Research (BuRO) identified uncertainties and knowledge gaps regarding the gastrointestinal absorption of TiO₂, its distribution, the potential for accumulation, and induction of adverse health effects such as inflammation, DNA damage, and tumor promotion. This review aims to identify and evaluate recent toxicological studies on food-grade TiO₂ and nano-sized TiO₂ in ex-vivo, in-vitro, and in-vivo experiments along the gastrointestinal route, and to postulate an Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) following ingestion. Additionally, this review summarizes recommendations and outcomes of the expert meeting held by the BuRO in 2018, in order to contribute to the hazard identification and risk assessment process of ingested TiO₂.

Rethinking Nano-TiO2 Safety: Overview of Toxic Effects in Humans and Aquatic Animals

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO₂ ) are widely used in consumer products, raising environmental and health concerns. An overview of the toxic effects of nano-TiO₂ on human and environmental health is provided. A meta-analysis is conducted to analyze the toxicity of nano-TiO₂ to the liver, circulatory system, and DNA in humans. To assess the environmental impacts of nano-TiO₂ , aquatic environments that receive high nano-TiO₂ inputs are focused on, and the toxicity of nano-TiO₂ to aquatic organisms is discussed with regard to the present and predicted environmental concentrations. Genotoxicity, damage to membranes, inflammation and oxidative stress emerge as the main mechanisms of nano-TiO₂ toxicity. Furthermore, nano-TiO₂ can bind with free radicals and signal molecules, and interfere with the biochemical reactions on plasmalemma. At the higher organizational level, nano-TiO₂ toxicity is manifested as the negative effects on fitness-related organismal traits including feeding, reproduction and immunity in aquatic organisms. Bibliometric analysis reveals two major research hot spots including the molecular mechanisms of toxicity of nano-TiO₂ and the combined effects of nano-TiO₂ and other environmental factors such as light and pH. The possible measures to reduce the harmful effects of nano-TiO₂ on humans and non-target organisms has emerged as an underexplored topic requiring further investigation.

Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food and Personal Care Products-What Do We Know about Their Safety?

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a material of diverse applications commonly used as a food additive or cosmetic ingredient. Its prevalence in products of everyday use, especially in nanosize, raises concerns about safety. Current findings on the safety of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) used as a food additive or a sunscreen compound are reviewed and systematized in this publication. Although some studies state that TiO2 NPs are not harmful to humans through ingestion or via dermal exposure, there is a considerable number of data that demonstrated their toxic effects in animal models. The final agreement on the safety of this nanomaterial has not yet been reached among researchers. There is also a lack of official, standardized guidelines for thorough characterization of TiO2 NPs in food and cosmetic products, provided by international authorities. Recent advances in the application of 'green-synthesized' TiO2 NPs, as well as comparative studies of the properties of 'biogenic' and 'traditional' nanoparticles, are presented. To conclude, perspectives and directions for further studies on the toxicity of TiO2 NPs are proposed.

Gold, Silver, and Palladium Nanoparticles: A Chemical Tool for Biomedical Applications

Herein, the role of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs) in biomedical analysis and the treatment of critical deceases been highlighted. In the world of nanotechnology, noble elements such as the gold/silver/palladium (Au/Ag/Pd) NPs are the most promising emerging trend to design bioengineering materials that could to be employed as modern diagnostic tools and devices to combat serious diseases. NPs are considered a powerful and advanced chemical tool to diagnose and to cure critical ailments such as HIV, cancer, and other types of infectious illnesses. The treatment of cancer is the most significant application of nanotechnology which is based on premature tumor detection and analysis of cancer cells through Nano-devices. The fascinating characteristic properties of NPs-such as high surface area, high surface Plasmon resonance, multi-functionalization, highly stable nature, and easy processing-make them more prolific for nanotechnology. In this review article, the multifunctional roles of Au/Ag/Pd NPs in the field of medical science, the physicochemical toxicity dependent properties, and the interaction mechanism is highlighted. Due to the cytotoxicity of Ag/Au/Pd NPs, the conclusion and future remarks emphasize the need for further research to minimize the toxicity of NPs in the bio-medicinal field.