Aggregation and toxicology of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Changes in life history parameters and expression of key genes of Brachionus plicatilis exposed to a combination of organic and inorganic ultraviolet filters

The increasing use of ultraviolet filters has become an emerging contaminant on the coast, posing potential ecological risks. Rotifers are essential components of marine ecosystems, serving as an association between primary producers and higher-level consumers. These organisms frequently encounter ultraviolet filters in coastal waters. This study aimed to assess the comprehensive effects of organic ultraviolet filters, specifically 2-ethylhexyl-4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and inorganic ultraviolet filters, namely, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), on the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis. We exposed B. plicatilis to multiple combinations of different concentrations of EHMC and TiO2 NPs to observe changes in life history parameters and the expression of genes related to reproduction and antioxidant responses. Our findings indicated that increased EHMC concentrations significantly delayed the age at first reproduction, reduced the total offspring, and led to considerable alterations in the expression of genes associated with reproduction and stress. Exposure to TiO2 NPs resulted in earlier reproduction and decreased total offspring, although these changes were not synchronised in gene expression. The two ultraviolet filters had a significant interaction on the age at first reproduction and the total offspring of rotifer, with these interactions extending to the first generation. This research offers new insights into the comprehensive effects of different types of ultraviolet filters on rotifers by examining life history parameters and gene expression related to reproduction and stress, highlighting the importance of understanding the impacts of sunscreen products on zooplankton health.

Inorganic nanoparticles in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic products: Properties, formulation development, toxicity, and regulatory issues

The use of nanotechnology strategies is a current hot topic, and research in this field has been growing significantly in the cosmetics industry. Inorganic nanoparticles stand out in this context for their distinctive physicochemical properties, leading in particular to an increased refractive index and absorption capacity giving them a broad potential for cutaneous applications and making them of special interest in research for dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. This performance is responsible for its heavy inclusion in the manufacture of skin health products such as sunscreens, lotions, beauty creams, skin ointments, makeup, and others. In particular, their suitable bandgap energy characteristics allow them to be used as photocatalytic semiconductors. They provide excellent UV absorption, commonly known as UV filters, and are responsible for their wide worldwide use in sunscreen formulations without the undesirable white residue after consumer application. In addition, cosmetics based on inorganic nanoparticles have several additional characteristics relevant to formulation development, such as being less expensive compared to other nanomaterials, having greater stability, and ensuring less irritation, itching, and propensity for skin allergies. This review will address in detail the main inorganic nanoparticles used in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic products, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, silver, gold, copper, and aluminum nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and quantum dots, reporting their physicochemical characteristics, but also their additional intrinsic properties that contribute to their use in this type of formulations. Safety issues regarding inorganic nanoparticles, based on toxicity studies, both to humans and the environment, as well as regulatory affairs associated with their use in dermopharmaceuticals and cosmetics, will be addressed.

Current Lifetime of Single-Nanoparticle Electrochemical Collision for In Situ Monitoring Nanoparticles Agglomeration and Aggregation

In situ monitoring of the agglomeration/aggregation process of nanoparticles (NPs) is crucial because it seriously affects cell entry, biosafety, catalytic performance of NPs, and so on. Nevertheless, it remains hard to monitor the solution phase agglomeration/aggregation of NPs via conventional techniques such as electron microscopy, which requires sample pretreatment and cannot represent native state NPs in solution. Considering that single-nanoparticle electrochemical collision (SNEC) is powerful to detect NPs in solution at the single-particle level, and the current lifetime, which refers to the time that current intensity decays to 1/e of the original value, is skilled in distinguishing different sized NPs, herein, a current lifetime-based SNEC has been developed to distinguish a single Au NP (d = 18 nm) from its agglomeration/aggregation. Based on this, the agglomeration/aggregation process of small-sized NPs and the discrimination of agglomeration vs aggregation have been carefully investigated at the single-particle level. Results showed that the agglomeration/aggregation of Au NPs (d = 18 nm) in 0.8 mM HClO₄ climbed from 19% to 69% over two hours, whereas there was no visible granular sediment, and Au NPs tended to agglomerate rather than aggregate irreversibly under normal conditions. Hence, the proposed current lifetime-based SNEC could serve as a complementary method to in situ monitor the agglomeration/aggregation of small-sized NPs in solution at the single-particle level and provide effective guidance for the practical application of NPs.

Ginger Loaded Polyethylene Oxide Electrospun Nanomembrane: Rheological and Antimicrobial Attributes

Synthetic antibiotics have captured the market in recent years, but the side effects of these products are life-threatening. In recent times, researchers have focused their research on natural-based products such as natural herbal oils, which are eco-friendly, biocompatible, biodegradable, and antibacterial. In this study, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and aqueous ginger extract (GE) were electrospun to produce novel antibacterial nanomembrane sheets as a function of PEO and GE concentrations. A GE average particle size of 91.16 nm was achieved with an extensive filtration process, inferring their incorporation in the PEO nanofibres. The presence of the GE was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) through peaks of phenol and aromatic groups. The viscoelastic properties of PEO/GE solutions were analysed in terms of PEO and GE concentrations. Increasing PEO and GE concentrations increased the solution's viscosity. The dynamic viscosity of 3% was not changed with increasing shear rate, indicating Newtonian fluid behaviour. The dynamic viscosity of 4 and 5 wt% PEO/GE solutions containing 10% GE increased exponentially compared to 3 wt%. In addition, the shear thinning behaviour was observed over a frequency range of 0.05 to 100 rad/s. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis also specified an increase in the nanofibre's diameter with increasing PEO concentration, while SEM images displayed smooth morphology with beadless nanofibres at different PEO/GE concentrations. In addition, PEO/GE nanomembranes inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, as presented by qualitative antibacterial results. The extent of PEO/GE nanomembrane's antibacterial activity was further investigated by the agar dilution method, which inhibited the 98.79% Staphylococcus aureus population at 30% GE concentration.

Nanoimpact in Plants: Lessons from the Transcriptome

Transcriptomics studies are available to evaluate the potential toxicity of nanomaterials in plants, and many highlight their effect on stress-responsive genes. However, a comparative analysis of overall expression changes suggests a low impact on the transcriptome. Environmental challenges like pathogens, saline, or drought stress induce stronger transcriptional responses than nanoparticles. Clearly, plants did not have the chance to evolve specific gene regulation in response to novel nanomaterials; but they use common regulatory circuits with other stress responses. A shared effect with abiotic stress is the inhibition of genes for root development and pathogen response. Other works are reviewed here, which also converge on these results.

Surface Chemistry-Dependent Evolution of the Nanomaterial Corona on TiO2 Nanomaterials Following Uptake and Sub-Cellular Localization

Nanomaterial (NM) surface chemistry has an established and significant effect on interactions at the nano-bio interface, with important toxicological consequences for manufactured NMs, as well as potent effects on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of nano-therapies. In this work, the effects of different surface modifications (PVP, Dispex AA4040, and Pluronic F127) on the uptake, cellular distribution, and degradation of titanium dioxide NMs (TiO₂ NMs, ~10 nm core size) are assessed and correlated with the localization of fluorescently-labeled serum proteins forming their coronas. Imaging approaches with an increasing spatial resolution, including automated high throughput live cell imaging, correlative confocal fluorescence and reflectance microscopy, and dSTORM super-resolution microscopy, are used to explore the cellular fate of these NMs and their associated serum proteins. Uncoated TiO₂ NMs demonstrate a rapid loss of corona proteins, while surface coating results in the retention of the corona signal after internalization for at least 24 h (varying with coating composition). Imaging with two-color super-resolution dSTORM revealed that the apparent TiO₂ NM single agglomerates observed in diffraction-limited confocal microscopy are actually adjacent smaller agglomerates, and provides novel insights into the spatial arrangement of the initial and exchanged coronas adsorbed at the NM surfaces.

Health hazards of nanoparticles: understanding the toxicity mechanism of nanosized ZnO in cosmetic products

In recent years, nanoparticles are being used extensively in personal healthcare products such as cosmetics, sunscreens, soaps, and shampoos. Particularly, metal oxide nanoparticles are gaining competence as key industrial constituents, progressing toward a remarkable rise in their applications. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide nanoparticles are the most commonly employed metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens, ointments, foot care, and over the counter topical products. Dermal exposure to these metal oxides predominantly occurs through explicit use of cosmetic products and airway exposure to nanoparticle dusts is primarily mediated via occupational exposure. There is a compelling need to understand the toxicity effects of nanoparticles which can easily enter the cells and induce oxidative stress. Consequently, these products have become a direct source of pollution in the environment and thereby greatly impact our ecosystem. A complete understanding of the toxicity mechanism of nano-ZnO is intended to resolve whether and to what extent such nanoparticles may pose a threat to the environment and to human beings. In this review article, we have discussed the characteristics of metal oxide nanoparticles and its applications in the cosmetic industry. We have also highlighted about their toxicity effects and their impact on human health.

A mechanistic study on the potential of quinolinium salts as photocatalysts for the abatement of chlorinated pollutants

Photocatalytic degradation of three highly chlorinated contaminants, namely 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP), 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) and 5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol (triclosan, TCS) has been investigated in the presence of N-methylquinolinium tetrafluoroborate (NMQ⁺), a photocatalyst able to act via Type I or Type II mechanism. Photodegradation of contaminants under aerobic conditions was achieved within hours; and it was accompanied by mineralization, as demonstrated by trapping of the evolved carbon dioxide as barium carbonate. Moreover, a high degree of detoxification, based on % inmobilization of daphnids (Daphnia magna bioassay), was reached after 70 h of irradiation. Quenching of the NMQ⁺ fluorescence by the pollutants was evidenced by a decrease in the emission intensity and lifetime. Detection of the reduced NMQ· by laser flash photolysis in the presence of the pollutants provided an unambigous evidence of the electron transfer process. Quenching of singlet oxygen by the contaminants showed the typical singlet oxygen quenching constants (10⁵-10⁶ M^-1 s^-1). Evaluation of the relative contribution of both pathways (Type I vs Type II) point to the photodegradation occurring via a Type I mechanism, being the contribution of Type II mechanism negligible at any concentration range.

Detection and Sizing of Ti-Containing Particles in Recreational Waters Using Single Particle ICP-MS

Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) was used to detect Ti-containing particles in heavily-used bathing areas of a river (Salt River) and five swimming pools. Ti-containing particle concentrations in swimming pools ranged from 2.8 × 10³ to 4.4 × 10³ particles/mL and were an order of magnitude lower than those detected in the Salt River. Measurements from the Salt River showed an 80% increase in Ti-containing particle concentration over baseline concentration during peak recreational activity (at 16:00 h) in the river. Cloud point extraction followed by transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis confirmed presence of aggregated TiO₂ particles in river samples, showing morphological similarity to particles present in an over-the-counter sunscreen product. The maximum particle mass concentration detected in a sample from the Salt River (659 ng/L) is only slightly lower than the predicted no effect concentration for TiO₂ to aquatic organisms (< 1 μg/L).

Effect of phosphate buffer on aggregation kinetics of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles induced by monovalent and divalent electrolytes

The attachment efficiency (α) is an important parameter that can be used to characterize nanoparticle (NPs) aggregation behavior and has been a topic of discussion of several papers in the past few years. The importance of α is because it is one of the key parameters that can be used to model NP environmental fate and behavior. This study uses UV-vis and laser Doppler electrophoresis to monitor the aggregation behavior of citrate-coated silver nanoparticles (cit-AgNPs) induced by Na⁺ and Ca²⁺ as counter ions in the presence and absence of Suwannee River fulvic acid (SRFA) as a surrogate of natural organic matter and different concentrations of phosphate buffer (0-1mM). Results demonstrate that phosphate buffer, which serves to maintain pH nearly constant over the course of a reaction, is an important determinant of NP aggregation behavior. Increasing phosphate buffer concentration results in a decrease in the critical coagulation concentrations (CCC) of cit-AgNPs to lower counter ion concentration and an increase of α at the same counter ion concentration, both in the absence and presence of SRFA. SRFA stabilizes AgNPs and increases the CCC to higher counter ion concentrations. The outcome of this study can be used to rationalize the variation in α and CCC values reported in the literature for NPs with similar physicochemical properties, where different α and CCC values are reported when different types of buffers and buffer concentrations are used in different studies.

Pro-oxidant effects of nano-TiO2on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii during short-term exposure

This is the first continuous quantification of abiotic and biotic nano-TiO₂– stimulated H₂O₂revealing that measured extracellular and intracellular pro-oxidant endpoints inC. reinhardtiican differ significantly.

Effect of hydration repulsion on nanoparticle agglomeration evaluated via a constant number Monte-Carlo simulation

The effect of hydration repulsion on the agglomeration of nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions was investigated via the description of agglomeration by the Smoluchowski coagulation equation using constant number Monte-Carlo simulation making use of the classical DLVO theory extended to include the hydration repulsion energy. Evaluation of experimental DLS measurements for TiO2, CeO2, SiO2, and α-Fe2O3 (hematite) at high IS (up to 900 mM) or low |ζ-potential| (≥1.35 mV) demonstrated that hydration repulsion energy can be above electrostatic repulsion energy such that the increased overall repulsion energy can significantly lower the agglomerate diameter relative to the classical DLVO prediction. While the classical DLVO theory, which is reasonably applicable for agglomeration of NPs of high |ζ-potential| (∼>35 mV) in suspensions of low IS (∼<1 mM), it can overpredict agglomerate sizes by up to a factor of 5 at high IS or low |ζ-potential|. Given the potential important role of hydration repulsion over a range of relevant conditions, there is merit in quantifying this repulsion energy over a wide range of conditions as part of overall characterization of NP suspensions. Such information would be of relevance to improved understanding of NP agglomeration in aqueous suspensions and its correlation with NP physicochemical and solution properties.

Role of combinatorial environmental factors in the behavior and fate of ZnO nanoparticles in aqueous systems: a multiparametric analysis

To better understand the environmental behavior, fate, and exposure risks of engineered nanoparticles in aquatic systems, for the first time, combinatorial aqueous systems were established using three-level orthogonal array design (OAD), an OA27 (3(1)(3)) matrix, to assess the effects of six co-varying environmental factors (organic acid type, organic acid concentration, NP concentration, pH, salt content, and electrolyte type) on the aggregation of commercial zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs, mean diameter ∼41nm). A separate set of OA27 (3(1)(3)) experiments including temperature was conducted for the dissolution of these NPs. The results showed that the organic acid concentration and the pH were the most significant factors (p<0.001) influencing aggregation and dissolution of ZnO NPs, respectively. The electrolyte type and the salt content were the next most important factors in both the aggregation and dissolution. Based on the kinetics study of the aggregation, a high rate of the NP aggregation resulted in decreased dissolution, such that observed in the presence of calcium chloride. Clear temperature-induced aggregation and reduced dissolution were further observed with increasing temperature. This approach demonstrates that the behavior of ZnO NP may vary substantially under combinatorial environmental conditions.

Comparison of cellular uptake and inflammatory response via toll-like receptor 4 to lipopolysaccharide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The innate immune response is the earliest cellular response to infectious agents and mediates the interactions between microbes and cells. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in these interactions. We have already shown that TLRs are involved with the uptake of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) and promote inflammatory responses. In this paper, we compared role of cellular uptake and inflammatory response via TLR 4 to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TiO₂ NPs. In the case of LPS, LPS binds to LPS binding protein (LBP) and CD 14, and then this complex binds to TLR 4. In the case of TiO₂ NPs, the necessity of LBP and CD 14 to induce the inflammatory response and for uptake by cells was investigated using over-expression, antibody blocking, and siRNA knockdown experiments. Our results suggested that for cellular uptake of TiO₂ NPs, TLR 4 did not form a complex with LBP and CD 14. In the TiO₂ NP-mediated inflammatory response, TLR 4 acted as the signaling receptor without protein complex of LPS, LBP and CD 14. The results suggested that character of TiO₂ NPs might be similar to the complex of LPS, LBP and CD 14. These results are important for development of safer nanomaterials.

Exopolysaccharides protect Synechocystis against the deleterious effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in natural and artificial waters

We have studied the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) on the model cyanobacteria Synechocystis PCC6803. We used well-characterized NPs suspensions in artificial and natural (Seine River, France) waters. We report that NPs trigger direct (cell killing) and indirect (cell sedimentation precluding the capture of light, which is crucial to photosynthesis) deleterious effects. Both toxic effects increase with NPs concentration and are exacerbated by the presence of UVAs that increase the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (hydroxyl and superoxide radicals) by TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, we compared the responses of the wild-type strain of Synechocystis, which possesses abundant exopolysaccharides surrounding the cells, to that of an EPS-depleted mutant. We show, for the first time, that the exopolysaccharides play a crucial role in Synechocystis protection against cell killing caused by TiO2 NPs.

Nano-SAR development for bioactivity of nanoparticles with considerations of decision boundaries

The development of classification nano-structure-activity Relationships (nano-SARs) of nanoparticle (NP) bioactivity is presented with the aim of demonstrating the integration of multiparametric toxicity/bioactivity assays to arrive at statistically meaningful class definitions (i.e., bioactivity/inactivity endpoints), as well as the implications of nano-SAR applicability domains and decision boundaries. Nano-SARs are constructed based on a dataset of 44 iron oxide core nanoparticles (NPs), used in molecular imaging and nano-sensing, containing bioactivity profiles for four cell types and four different assays. Class definitions are developed on the basis of 'hit' (i.e., significant bioactivity) identification analysis and self-organizing map based consensus clustering; these class definitions enable construction of nano-SARs of a high classification accuracy (>78%) with different NP descriptor combinations that include primary size, spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxivities, and zeta potentials. Analysis of the nano-SAR performance for different class definitions suggests that H4 (i.e., class with at least four hits) is a reasonable endpoint (from a 'regulatory' viewpoint) for keeping the level of false negatives (i.e., incorrect labeling of bioactive NPs as inactive) low. The establishment of a quantitative nano-SAR applicability domain is demonstrated, making use of a probability density with the H4 class definition and naive Bayesian classifier (NBC) model (with spin-lattice relaxivity and zeta potential as descriptors). Decision boundaries are determined for the above H4/NBC nano-SAR for different acceptance levels of false negative to false positive predictions, illustrating a practical approach that may assist in regulatory decision making with a consideration of reducing the likelihood of identifying bioactive NPs as being inactive.

Metabolic effects of TiO2 nanoparticles, a common component of sunscreens and cosmetics, on human keratinocytes

The long-term health risks of nanoparticles remain poorly understood, which is a serious concern given their prevalence in the environment from increased industrial and domestic use. The extent to which such compounds contribute to cellular toxicity is unclear, and although it is known that induction of oxidative stress pathways is associated with this process, the proteins and the metabolic pathways involved with nanoparticle-mediated oxidative stress and toxicity are largely unknown. To investigate this problem further, the effect of TiO₂ on the HaCaT human keratinocyte cell line was examined. The data show that although TiO₂ does not affect cell cycle phase distribution, nor cell death, these nanoparticles have a considerable and rapid effect on mitochondrial function. Metabolic analysis was performed to identify 268 metabolites of the specific pathways involved and 85 biochemical metabolites were found to be significantly altered, many of which are known to be associated with the cellular stress response. Importantly, the uptake of nanoparticles into the cultured cells was restricted to phagosomes, TiO₂ nanoparticles did not enter into the nucleus or any other cytoplasmic organelle. No other morphological changes were detected after 24-h exposure consistent with a specific role of mitochondria in this response.

Cytotoxicity and expression of genes involved in the cellular stress response and apoptosis in mammalian fibroblast exposed to cotton cellulose nanofibers

Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) have mechanical properties that make them very attractive for applications in the construction of polymeric matrices, drug delivery and tissue engineering. However, little is known about their impact on mammalian cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of CNF and their effect on gene expression of fibroblasts cultured in vitro. The morphology of CNF was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and the surface charge by Zeta potential. Cell viability was analyzed by flow cytometry assay and gene expression of biomarkers focused on cell stress response such as Heat shock protein 70.1 (HSP70.1) and Peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1) and apoptosis as B-cell leukemia (BCL-2) and BCL-2 associated X protein (BAX) by RT-PCR assay. Low concentrations of CNF (0.02-100 μg ml(-1)) did not cause cell death; however, at concentrations above 200 μg ml(-1), the nanofibers significantly decreased cell viability (86.41 ± 5.37%). The exposure to high concentrations of CNF (2000 and 5000 μg ml(-1)) resulted in increased HSP70.1, PRDX1 and BAX gene expression. The current study concludes that, under the conditions tested, high concentrations (2000 and 5000 μg ml(-1)) of CNF cause decreased cell viability and affect the expression of stress- and apoptosis-associated molecular markers.

Toxicity of TiO(2) nanoparticles to cladocerans, algae, rotifers and plants - effects of size and crystalline structure

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, there is an increasing risk of human and environmental exposure to nanotechnology-based materials. However, the data on the potential environmental effects of nanoparticles are scarce. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of particle size and crystal structure (anatase and rutile) of titanium dioxide on their toxicity. Thus, acute and chronic toxicity tests included a modified acute test (72 h) using daphnies and algae, rotifers and plants as model organisms. Gradient of toxicity varied with the tested biological organisms. Our results revealed that TiO(2) nanoparticles in anatase crystal structure are toxic in the entire set of tests conducted. However, at highconcentration, through their antimicrobial properties, they significantly promoted growth of roots. Because of its lipophilicity, the rutile crystalline structure of TiO(2) NPs form larger aggregates in aqueous medium; then they have less effect on biological organisms, and thus a lower toxicity than the anatase crystalline form of TiO(2). We also demonstrated that exposure duration, aggregation and concentrations are contributing factors in nanoparticles-mediated toxicity.

Cd2+ toxicity as affected by bare TiO2 nanoparticles and their bulk counterpart

Toxicity of engineered nanoparticles has received extensive attention in recent years. However, nanoparticles always co-exist with other pollutants in natural environment. Whether there are any interactions between these classical pollutants and nanoparticles; and how these interactions may influence the environmental behavior, effects and fate of each other remain largely unclear. For this purpose, effects of bare titanium dioxide engineered nanoparticles (TiO(2)-NP) and their bulk counterpart (TiO(2)-BC) on Cd(2+) bioavailability and toxicity to the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were examined in the present study. We first investigated the kinetics and equilibrium isotherm of Cd(2+) adsorption on both particles in the algal culture medium. Pseudo-first-order adsorption kinetics was observed with equilibrium rate constant ranging from 0.19 to 0.33min(-1). Increase in Cd(2+) adsorption with its ambient concentration at equilibrium followed a single Langmuir isotherm for different concentrations of TiO(2). Furthermore, surface-area-based Cd(2+) adsorption by TiO(2)-BC was higher than that by TiO(2)-NP in most Cd(2+) concentration treatments suggesting that particle size was not the only cause for different adsorption. Both forms of TiO(2) could alleviate Cd(2+) inhibitive effects on C. reinhardtii. However, Cd(2+) toxicity and its bioaccumulation were comparable as long as its free ion concentration in ambient toxicity media was similar regardless the particle size and concentration of TiO(2). There was no TiO(2) inside the algal cells either. Therefore, it was Cd(2+) adsorption by TiO(2) which decreased its ambient free ion concentration and further its intracellular accumulation as well as toxicity.

Analysis of nanoparticle agglomeration in aqueous suspensions via constant-number Monte Carlo simulation

A constant-number direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model was developed for the analysis of nanoparticle (NP) agglomeration in aqueous suspensions. The modeling approach, based on the "particles in a box" simulation method, considered both particle agglomeration and gravitational settling. Particle-particle agglomeration probability was determined based on the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and considerations of the collision frequency as impacted by Brownian motion. Model predictions were in reasonable agreement with respect to the particle size distribution and average agglomerate size when compared with dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements for aqueous TiO(2), CeO(2), and C(60) nanoparticle suspensions over a wide range of pH (3-10) and ionic strength (0.01-156 mM). Simulations also demonstrated, in quantitative agreement with DLS measurements, that nanoparticle agglomerate size increased both with ionic strength and as the solution pH approached the isoelectric point (IEP). The present work suggests that the DSMC modeling approach, along with future use of an extended DLVO theory, has the potential for becoming a practical environmental analysis tool for predicting the agglomeration behavior of aqueous nanoparticle suspensions.

Proteome profiling reveals potential toxicity and detoxification pathways following exposure of BEAS-2B cells to engineered nanoparticle titanium dioxide

Oxidative stress is known to play important roles in engineered nanomaterial-induced cellular toxicity. However, the proteins and signaling pathways associated with the engineered nanomaterial-mediated oxidative stress and toxicity are largely unknown. To identify these toxicity pathways and networks that are associated with exposure to engineered nanomaterials, an integrated proteomic study was conducted using human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B and nanoscale titanium dioxide. Utilizing 2-DE and MS, we identified 46 proteins that were altered at protein expression levels. The protein changes detected by 2-DE/MS were verified by functional protein assays. These identified proteins include some key proteins involved in cellular stress response, metabolism, adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics, cell growth, cell death, and cell signaling. The differentially expressed proteins were mapped using Ingenuity Pathway Analyses™ canonical pathways and Ingenuity Pathway Analyses tox lists to create protein-interacting networks and proteomic pathways. Twenty protein canonical pathways and tox lists were generated, and these pathways were compared to signaling pathways generated from genomic analyses of BEAS-2B cells treated with titanium dioxide. There was a significant overlap in the specific pathways and lists generated from the proteomic and the genomic data. In addition, we also analyzed the phosphorylation profiles of protein kinases in titanium dioxide-treated BEAS-2B cells for a better understanding of upstream signaling pathways in response to the titanium dioxide treatment and the induced oxidative stress. In summary, the present study provides the first protein-interacting network maps and novel insights into the biological responses and potential toxicity and detoxification pathways of titanium dioxide.

Nanoparticle aggregation: challenges to understanding transport and reactivity in the environment

Unique forms of manufactured nanomaterials, nanoparticles, and their suspensions are rapidly being created by manipulating properties such as shape, size, structure, and chemical composition and through incorporation of surface coatings. Although these properties make nanomaterial development interesting for new applications, they also challenge the ability of colloid science to understand nanoparticle aggregation in the environment and the subsequent effects on nanomaterial transport and reactivity. This review briefly covers aggregation theory focusing on Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeak (DLVO)-based models most commonly used to describe the thermodynamic interactions between two particles in a suspension. A discussion of the challenges to DLVO posed by the properties of nanomaterials follows, along with examples from the literature. Examples from the literature highlighting the importance ofaggregation effects on transport and reactivity and risk of nanoparticles in the environment are discussed.

Effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticle aggregate size on gene expression

Titanium dioxide (titania) nanoparticle aggregation is an important factor in understanding cytotoxicity. However, the effect of the aggregate size of nanoparticles on cells is unclear. We prepared two sizes of titania aggregate particles and investigated their biological activity by analyzing biomarker expression based on mRNA expression analysis. The aggregate particle sizes of small and large aggregated titania were 166 nm (PDI = 0.291) and 596 nm (PDI = 0.417), respectively. These two size groups were separated by centrifugation from the same initial nanoparticle sample. We analyzed the gene expression of biomarkers focused on stress, inflammation, and cytotoxicity. Large titania aggregates show a larger effect on cell viability and gene expression when compared with the small aggregates. This suggests that particle aggregate size is related to cellular effects.

Effect of the agglomeration of TiO2 nanoparticles on their photocatalytic performance in the aqueous phase

TiO(2) nanoparticles have been widely explored as photocatalysts in the degradation of organic matters present in water. However, spontaneous agglomeration of TiO(2) nanoparticles in a suspension is a crucial issue that must be addressed before the photocatalyst can be used for water treatment. In the present work, the nature of the agglomeration of TiO(2) nanoparticles in aqueous suspension was investigated. Two approaches to minimize the agglomeration of colloidal TiO(2) particles were investigated. A careful control over the pH of the system was found to be an effective method for stabilizing colloidal TiO(2) particles and to significantly enhance the adsorption of orange II. As a result, the overall photocatalytic degradation rate was greatly accelerated. In addition to pH control, modification of TiO(2) particles using polyelectrolyte poly allylamine hydrochloride (PAH) was observed to be an effective approach for preventing colloidal TiO(2) particles from agglomeration.

Influence of ionic strength, pH, and cation valence on aggregation kinetics of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The extensive use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) in many consumer products has raised concerns about possible risks to the environment The magnitude of the threat may depend on whether nano-TiO2 remains dispersed in the environment, or forms much larger-sized aggregates or clusters. Currently, limited information is available on the issue. In this context, the purpose of the present article is to report initial measurements of the morphology and rate of formation of nano-TiO2 aggregates in aqueous suspensions as a function of ionic strength and of the nature of the electrolyte in a moderately acid to circumneutral pH range typical of soil and surface water conditions. Dynamic light scattering results show that 4-5 nm titanium dioxide particles readily form stable aggregates with an average diameter of 50-60 nm at pH approximately 4.5 in a NaCl suspension adjusted to an ionic strength of 0.0045 M. Holding the pH constant but increasing the ionic strength to 0.0165 M, leads to the formation of micron-sized aggregates within 15 min. At all other pH values tested (5.8-8.2), micron-sized aggregates form in less than 5 min (minimum detection time), even at low ionic strength (0.0084-0.0099 M with NaCl). In contrast, micron-sized aggregates form within 5 min in an aqueous suspension of CaCl2 at an ionic strength of 0.0128 M and pH of 4.8, which is significantly faster than observed for NaCI suspensions with similar ionic strength and pH. This result indicates that divalent cations may enhance aggregation of nano-TiO2 in soils and surface waters. Optical micrographs show branching aggregates of sizes ranging from the 1 microm optical limit of the microscope to tens of micrometers in diameter.

Toxicity of nanoparticles of CuO, ZnO and TiO2 to microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata

Toxicities of ZnO, TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata were determined using OECD 201 algal growth inhibition test taking in account potential shading of light. The results showed that the shading effect by nanoparticles was negligible. ZnO nanoparticles were most toxic followed by nano CuO and nano TiO2. The toxicities of bulk and nano ZnO particles were both similar to that of ZnSO4 (72 h EC50 approximately 0.04 mg Zn/l). Thus, in this low concentration range the toxicity was attributed solely to solubilized Zn2+ ions. Bulk TiO2 (EC50=35.9 mg Ti/l) and bulk CuO (EC50=11.55 mg Cu/l) were less toxic than their nano formulations (EC50=5.83 mg Ti/l and 0.71 mg Cu/l). NOEC (no-observed-effect-concentrations) that may be used for risk assessment purposes for bulk and nano ZnO did not differ (approximately 0.02 mg Zn/l). NOEC for nano CuO was 0.42 mg Cu/l and for bulk CuO 8.03 mg Cu/l. For nano TiO2 the NOEC was 0.98 mg Ti/l and for bulk TiO2 10.1 mg Ti/l. Nano TiO2 formed characteristic aggregates entrapping algal cells that may contribute to the toxic effect of nano TiO2 to algae. At 72 h EC50 values of nano CuO and CuO, 25% of copper from nano CuO was bioavailable and only 0.18% of copper from bulk CuO. Thus, according to recombinant bacterial and yeast Cu-sensors, copper from nano CuO was 141-fold more bioavailable than from bulk CuO. Also, toxic effects of Cu oxides to algae were due to bioavailable copper ions. To our knowledge, this is one of the first systematic studies on effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on algal growth and the first describing toxic effects of nano CuO towards algae.

Biotests and Biosensors for Ecotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: A Minireview

Nanotechnologies have become a significant priority worldwide. Several manufactured nanoparticles - particles with one dimension less than 100 nm - are increasingly used in consumer products. At nanosize range, the properties of materials differ substantially from bulk materials of the same composition, mostly due to the increased specific surface area and reactivity, which may lead to increased bioavailability and toxicity. Thus, for the assessment of sustainability of nanotechnologies, hazards of manufactured nanoparticles have to be studied. Despite all the above mentioned, the data on the potential environmental effects of nanoparticles are rare. This mini-review is summarizing the emerging information on different aspects of ecotoxicological hazard of metal oxide nanoparticles, focusing on TiO₂, ZnO and CuO. Various biotests that have been successfully used for evaluation of ecotoxic properties of pollutants to invertebrates, algae and bacteria and now increasingly applied for evaluation of hazard of nanoparticles at different levels of the aquatic food-web are discussed. Knowing the benefits and potential drawbacks of these systems, a suite of tests for evaluation of environmental hazard of nanoparticles is proposed. Special attention is paid to the influence of particle solubility and to recombinant metal-sensing bacteria as powerful tools for quantification of metal bioavailability. Using recombinant metal-specific bacterial biosensors and multitrophic ecotoxicity assays in tandem will create new scientific knowledge on the respective role of ionic species and of particles in toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles.