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Nanotechnology

Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles Found in Seafood, Study Reveals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers have discovered titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles in seafood samples, raising concerns about their potential impact on human health. The study, conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Santiago de Compostela, used an ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis procedure and sp-ICP-MS analysis to detect the presence of these nanoparticles in various seafood samples, including clams, cockles, mussels, and oysters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that titanium dioxide and silver nanoparticles are present in seafood samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 12.37 ng/g.
  • The nanoparticles were detected in various types of seafood, including clams, cockles, mussels, and oysters.
  • The researchers used an in vitro digestion process to simulate human gastrointestinal digestion in the stomach and small and large intestine to determine the bioaccessibility of these nanoparticles.
  • The study also tested the transport of these nanoparticles across a cell monolayer model of the human intestinal epithelium.
  • The researchers found that TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles were able to cross the intestinal epithelial barrier, with transport rates ranging from 20-40% after 2 hours.
  • The study was funded by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, the European Union, and the European Social Fund.

Statistics:

  • Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were detected in 80% of seafood samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 12.37 ng/g.
  • Silver nanoparticles were detected in 70% of seafood samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 8.11 ng/g.
  • The study found that 20-40% of TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles were able to cross the intestinal epithelial barrier after 2 hours.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports Summarize Nanoparticles Findings from University of Santiago de Compostela (Caco-2 In Vitro Model of Human Gastrointestinal Tract for Studying the Absorption of Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles From Seafood). Gastroenterology Week. October 4, 2021; p 4065.
  • Caco-2 In Vitro Model of Human Gastrointestinal Tract for Studying the Absorption of Titanium Dioxide and Silver Nanoparticles From Seafood. Talanta, 2021; 233.

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