Evaluation of the effect of acute and subacute exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles on oxidative stress

Abstract

The nanosized titanium dioxide (nano-TiO2) is produced abundantly and used widely in the chemical, electrical/electronic, and energy industries because of its special photovoltaic and photocatalytic activities. Past reports have shown that the nano-TiO2 can enter into the human body through different routes such as inhalation, ingestion, dermal penetration, and injection. The effects of nano-TiO2 on different organs are currently being investigated. Oxidative stress is considered to play an important role in the oxidative potential of nanoparticles. Here we discuss the association between oxidative stress and the toxicity caused by exposure to nano-TiO2 in different organs. © Springer Science+Business Media, New York 2013.