Titanium dioxide interaction with the human biological fluids
Titanium dioxide (TiO<sub>2</sub>) labeled E171 is widely used as a white pigment in food, household, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Proceeding in various ways, TiO<sub>2</sub> binds to the proteins; then it is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and may cause pathological effects on the human health. Objective: To investigate the natural body fluids (gastric, intestinal fluid, plasma and serum) influence on the dispersion degree of TiO<sub>2</sub>. Materials and Methods: Dissolving TiO<sub>2</sub> in water, gastric and pancreatic juice, as well as in plasma and serum of donors was conducted. The results were evaluated visually and microscopically. Results: By adding TiO2 powder (Anatase, particle diameter <5 mkm, catalog number 232033 ALDRICH) to pancreatic juice, serum and plasma, there is an instantaneous formation of a stable “milky” suspension up to 3 days, unlike nonstable TiO<sub>2</sub> slurry in water and gastric juice. TiO<sub>2</sub> particles shape and size change was validated microscopically in a pancreatic juice, serum and plasma and precipitation compared to TiO<sub>2</sub> particles in water. Conclusion: Food products and the medicines coatings cause enteral route TiO2 in the human body. After the interaction with biological fluids of the human body, TiO<sub>2</sub> changes its physical properties (nature of the suspension, its stability, microscopic particulate structure). TiO<sub>2</sub> interaction with proteins and enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract and blood plasma results in agglomerates forming, which is the critical parameter for the pathological effects on the organism.