A standardised approach for the dispersion of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in biological media. Issue 4 (June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taurozzi, Julian S.; Hackley, Vincent A.; Wiesner, Mark R.
• Is Part Of: Nanotoxicology. Volume 7:Issue 4(2013:Jun.)
• Page Start: 389
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2013-06
• Subjects: Toxicology -- Periodicals; 615.9
• DOI: 10.3109/17435390.2012.665506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-5390

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>We describe a comprehensive optimisation study culminating in a standardised and validated approach for the preparation of titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) nanoparticle dispersions in relevant biological media. This study utilises a TiO<sub>2</sub> reference nanomaterial based on a commercially available powder that has been widely examined in both acute and chronic toxicity studies. The dispersion approach as presented here satisfies four key harmonisation requirements not previously addressed: (1) method transferability, based in part on the use of a sonication energy calibration method that allows for power measurement and reporting in a device-independent manner; (2) optimisation of sonication parameters and thorough method validation in terms of particle size distribution, pH, isoelectric point, concentration range and batch variability; (3) minimisation of sonolysis side effects by elimination of organics during sonication and (4) characterisation of nanoparticle agglomeration under various dispersion conditions by use of laser diffraction spectrometry, an <italic>in situ</italic> size characterisation technique that provides advantages over other techniques more commonly employed within the context of nanotoxicology (e.g. dynamic light scattering). The described procedure yields monomodal, nanoscale, protein-stabilised nanoparticle dispersions in biological media that remain stable for at least 48 h (acute testing timeframe) under typical incubation conditions.</p> </abstract>