Teratological effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice embryo

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022 Jun;29(27):40724-40733. doi: 10.1007/s11356-021-18237-0. Epub 2022 Jan 27.

Abstract

Nanoparticles have numerous applications related to human uses. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) are extensively used in many daily utilities. The small size particles and larger uses in the industry have led them to become a threatening entity to the living organisms. The unchecked use and dumping in the environment poses a significant toxicological risk to the developing mammalian embryo. The present study was conducted to determine the developmental toxicity and teratogenic effects of TiO2-NPs in murine embryos. The TiO2-NPs were introduced intravenously into pregnant mice graded as T1 (0.52 mg/g BW), T2 (0.7 mg/g BW), and T3 (1.05 mg/g BW) along with control with no dose administration T0 (0.00 mg/g BW). Results recorded after 14 days were resorbed fetuses, dropped wrist, hemorrhages, sacral hygromas, and kinked tails. It was concluded that the exposure of TiO2-NPs in mentioned doses from any source may lead to deleterious effects on the development of an embryo.

Keywords: Mice; Murine embryo; Nanoparticles; Teratology; TiO2-NPs.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Mammalian
  • Mammals
  • Metal Nanoparticles* / toxicity
  • Mice
  • Nanoparticles* / toxicity
  • Titanium / toxicity

Substances

  • titanium dioxide
  • Titanium