The impact of silver nanoparticle modification on the structure, photoactive, toxicological, and virucidal properties of anatase for use in biology and medicine

Abstract

The structural-morphological, toxicological, cytotoxic, and virucidal properties of photoelectronic TiO2 and TiO2-Ag were investigated to ascertain safety concerns related to their production and application. It was demonstrated that the TiO2-Ag nanocomposite exhibits an anatase crystalline modification and is composed of TiO2 nanoparticles ranging from 13 to 20 nm and Ag nanoparticles with sizes of 35–40 nm, with silver localized on the surface of titanium dioxide. LD50 values were established as 4783.30 mg/kg for nano-TiO2 and 724.44 mg/kg for nano-TiO2-Ag after acute intraperitoneal administration of nanopowders to mice. Accumulation of TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanopowders was observed, causing damage to the livers, kidneys, and lungs of laboratory animals. TiO2-Ag and TiO2 nanomaterials could potentially induce chronic inflammation and allergic reactions in synthesis operators. These nanomaterials affected the activity of mitochondrial enzymes in testicular cells of boars, exerting a damaging effect on mitochondrial membranes and cells overall. Silver modification of nano-TiO2 led to reduced toxicity of nanoparticles for BHK-21 and MDCK cells. Significant virucidal effects of TiO2-Ag and TiO2 nanoparticles were demonstrated.