Assessment of TiO2 nanoparticles accumulation in organs and their effect on cognitive abilities of mice

Because of good optical and electrical properties, TiO2 nanoparticles are widely used in many fields of industry and medicine. To assess the effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on mice cognitive abilities and their accumulation in different organs, daily, up to 2-month period, experimental mice were administrated with TiO2 nanoparticles solution. Accumulation of titanium in blood, brain, liver, kidney, lungs and feces was assessed by neutron activation analysis. Cognitive abilities in mice before and after TiO2 nanoparticles administration were evaluated in the Morris water maze behavioral test. The amount of titanium in all organs was below the limits of detection of the method and in feces it constituted 74 +/- 7 mu g/g. In the main Morris water maze behavioral test at the control points statistically significant differences were found in the parameters of treks between capable experimental and control animals.Web of Science18338437

Preparation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite particles on vermiculite by precipitation and sonication

Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDH) is biocompatible, cheap material used in implants and non-biological applications. Due to similarity of CDH with human hard tissues, it is suitable for manufacturing of bone substituents. Clay minerals are suitable natural and non-toxic materials used as substrates for the growth of nanoparticles. Combination of nontoxic nature of the clay minerals with CDH is possible to achieve nanocomposites with properties advantageous for medical or catalytic applications. The aim of the study was to prepare CDH on the surface of a monoionic Na/Mg form of original vermiculites (Vs) from Brazil and Bulgaria. The CDH was prepared by precipitation under constant mixing or sonication conditions. XRD analysis confirmed that CDH was successfully prepared on the V surfaces, and the type of V did not influence CDH creation. Basal reflections of vermiculites do not show changes indicating an interaction between vermiculites and CDH. No interactions between V and CDH were observed in FTIR measurement and fitting analysis. Scanning electron microscopy shows creation of CDH particles and coherent layer on the V surface. The results showed that V serves as a support for CDH particles and probably does not influence the chemistry of CDH.Web of Science53278577