Analyst Insight

The most significant uncertainty identified by the EU experts was the concern that TiO₂ particles may have genotoxic effects. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to directly damage genetic material within a cell (DNA), which may lead to cancer in certain situations. Although the experts did not conclude that TiO₂ particles in E171 are genotoxic, they could not rule out the concern that they might be.

In general, nanoparticles have been shown to accumulate in the body, particularly in organs in the gastrointestinal tract, along with the liver, spleen, and capillaries of the lungs.

The biological activity, biocompatibility, and corrosion resistance of implants depend primarily on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film on biomedical titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). This research is aimed at getting an ideal temperature range for forming a dense titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film during titanium alloy cutting. This article is based on Gibbs free energy, entropy changes, and oxygen partial pressure equations to perform thermodynamic calculations on the oxidation reaction of titanium alloys, studies the oxidation reaction history of titanium alloys, and analyzes the formation conditions of titanium dioxide. The heat oxidation experiment was carried out. The chemical composition was analyzed with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results revealed that titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is the main reaction product on the surface below 900°C. Excellent porous oxidation films can be obtained between 670°C and 750°C, which is helpful to improve the bioactivity and osseointegration of implants.

Fig. 3. Cell survival measured on samples of MSSA with bare and functionalized P25TiO₂NPs after 6 h of irradiation. A: P25TiO₂NPs, B:vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs, C: vitaminC@P25TiO₂NPs in concentrations of 0.2 μg/mL (red) and 0.2 mg/mL (blue). p <0.05.

An inorganic chemical, titanium dioxide is used as a dye to help products achieve a certain appearance, including whitening a product. Some experts and publications have described it as being akin to a paint primer that's used before the color is added to food in order to give products a uniform shine. Its presence is common in many items beyond Skittles including coffee creamers, cake mixes, and chewing gum. It's also used for pigment and in cosmetics manufacturing.

It's sort of ironic, maybe ironic is the wrong word, that the ingredient in paint that makes your kitchen shiny also makes your Hostess cupcakes shiny, Environmental Working Group's senior vice president of government affairs Scott Faber added.

The integrity of surface skin cells was evaluated with and without solar simulated irradiation. The integrity of the stratum corneum was significantly lower in individuals treated with P25TiO₂NPs under the light in comparison to the ones that received the functionalized nanoparticles. Cell membrane suffering is evident (Fig. 9), and it is in accordance with the ROS levels and macromolecule oxidation found in vitro for the irradiated P25TiO₂NPs. Disruption of the superficial skin layer was observed in all animals treated with no functionalized nanoparticles, under irradiation. This data expands the findings by the group of Professors Fubini and Fenoglio, who showed that P25TiO₂NPs could impact the lipid structure at the top few microns of the stratum corneum [55]. Control skin under irradiation and without any topic formulation did not show changes in cell structure.

Separately, concerns have been raised about titanium dioxide impacting one's genetic code. This can be traced to a 2009 study which found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles caused DNA damage and genetic instability in mice. A 2022 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology also raised concerns about the DNA-damaging effects of titanium dioxide as a food additive. The study noted that results evidenced a DNA-damaging effect, and added that there may also be impacts to chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk.

1: Flocculation principle

Lithopone B301, Lithopone B311 powder is also widely applied in paints and enamels

The most significant uncertainty identified by the EU experts was the concern that TiO₂ particles may have genotoxic effects. Genotoxicity refers to the ability of a chemical to directly damage genetic material within a cell (DNA), which may lead to cancer in certain situations. Although the experts did not conclude that TiO₂ particles in E171 are genotoxic, they could not rule out the concern that they might be.

Most commonly used in candy, it can also be found in salad dressings, chewing gum, ice cream, frozen pizzas, drink and jello mixes and many other food categories. Titanium dioxide creates a smooth finish and adds shine and brightness to other colors. 

Developing new Lithopone formulations, one that enhances the properties of the existing Lithopone is anticipated to boost the demand for Lithopone white pigment during the forecast period. Reinforced Lithopone is one such development, wherein a copolymer is added to the polymerization reaction to yield Lithopone with an increased weather resistance and an anti-ultraviolet property. Moreover, development of nano-scale Lithopone is also anticipated to attract market interest during the forecast period.

Synthesis of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs