Study of the Embryonic Toxicity of TiO2 and ZrO2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Currently, the widespread use of TiO2 and ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries poses a risk in terms of their potential toxicity. A number of experimental studies provide evidence of the toxic effect of TiO2 and ZrO2 NPs on biological objects. In order to supplement the level of knowledge and assess the risks of toxicity and danger of TiO2 and ZrO2 NPs, we decided to conduct a comprehensive experiment to study the embryonic toxicity of TiO2 and ZrO2 NPs in pregnant rats. For the experiment, mongrel white rats during pregnancy received aqueous dispersions of powders of TiO2 and ZrO2 NPs at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. To characterize the effect of TiO2 and ZrO2 NPs on females and the postnatal ontogenesis of offspring, a complex of physiological and biochemical research methods was used. The results of the experiment showed that TiO2 NPs as ZrO2 NPs (100 mg/kg per os) cause few shifts of similar orientation in the maternal body. Neither TiO2 NPs nor ZrO2 NPs have an embryonic and teratogenic effect on the offspring in utero, but both modify its postnatal development.