The Effect of Chemical Treatment Conditions of Titanium Dioxide Sols on Their Dispersion and Cytotoxic Properties

Abstract

The effect of neutralization conditions of TiO₂ acid sol obtained by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (the nature of monovalent cation (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺) of electrolyte, chemical nature of a dialyzing solution, and surface modification of nanoparticles with glycidyl isopropyl ether (GE)) on TiO₂ dispersion and cytotoxic properties was investigated. The initial TiO₂ and sols after treatment were examined by a set of physicochemical methods: XRD, CS, SAXS, AFM, and TEM. The in vitro toxic effect of nanoparticles was studied on a monolayer of MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells by trypan blue staining. It was shown that chemical nature of the electrolyte cation affects solagglomeration, which increases in a series Li⁺ > Na⁺ > NH₄⁺, and the use of phosphate buffer for soldialysis facilitates the formation of more uniform disperse systems. Surface modification of TiO₂ nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) with glycidyl isopropyl ether (GE) was found to decrease its toxic effect on the cells.