International Council on Nanotechnology

ICON Web & News Virtual Journal Everything

Resources
	Virtual Journal
	Analyze Database
	GoodNanoGuide
	ICON Reports
	ICON Backgrounders
	Glossary
	Policy Reports
	Ratings Comment Guidelines
	Links

Quick Search:
Keywords: Search: Search Using OECD Database

Details

Return to Previous Page

Addition or Correction

Title:

Photoinduced Disaggregation of TiO2 Nanoparticles Enables Transdermal Penetration

Date:

11/2012

Link to Journal Abstract

Abstract:

Under many aqueous conditions, metal oxide nanoparticles attract other nanoparticles and grow into fractal aggregates as the result of a balance between electrostatic and Van Der Waals interactions. Although particle coagulation has been studied for over a century, the effect of light on the state of aggregation is not well understood. Since nanoparticle mobility and toxicity have been shown to be a function of aggregate size, and generally increase as size decreases, photo-induced disaggregation may have significant effects. We show that ambient light and other light sources can partially disaggregate nanoparticles from the aggregates and increase the dermal transport of nanoparticles, such that small nanoparticle clusters can readily diffuse into and through the dermal profile, likely via the interstitial spaces. The discovery of photoinduced disaggregation presents a new phenomenon that has not been previously reported or considered in coagulation theory or transdermal toxicological paradigms. Our results show that after just a few minutes of light, the hydrodynamic diameter of TiO2 aggregates is reduced from ~280 nm to ~230 nm. We exposed pigskin to the nanoparticle suspension and found 200 mg kg?1 of TiO2 for skin that was exposed to nanoparticles in the presence of natural sunlight and only 75 mg kg?1 for skin exposed to dark conditions, indicating the influence of light on NP penetration. These results suggest that photoinduced disaggregation may have important health implications.

Non-technical Summary:

This study investigates the effects ambient light and other light sources have on aggregation of metal oxide nanoparticles and their potential diffusion through the dermal profile.

Content Emphasis

Peer Reviewed Journal Article

Exposure Or Hazard Target

Mammalian

Exposure Pathway

Dermal/Mucous Membrane

Method Of Study

In Vitro

Paper Type

Exposure

Particle Type

Oxide