Abstract:
Pertaining to the enhanced applications of titania nanoparticles in various industries and
the insufficient epidemiological data, the current study aimed to compare the impacts of
pure, Ag-doped and Zn-doped TNPs on human lymphocytes in terms of cell viability and
genotoxicity, by using Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (SCGE). Pure TNPs, 1% Ag-doped
TNPs and 1% Zn-doped TNPs were prepared by liquid impregnation method and
characterized through Scanning Electron Microscope, X-Ray Diffraction and X-Ray
Fluorescent. The size range of 12-50 nm was achieved with confirmation of anatase phase.
The blood samples were drawn by venipuncture method and treated with five
concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg/mL) of all the nanoparticle type and tested for cell
viability and genotoxicity. No significant reduction in cell viability was observed at any
concentration. The SCGE assay confirmed the increment in DNA damage in a dose
dependent manner for pure and doped TNPs with a noticeable damage in Ag-doped
exposed group. Damage frequency was calculated to be 70.66, 78 and 72.67% for pure,
Ag-doped and Zn-doped TNPs exposed groups, respectively. The Tail Length parameter
also depicted an increment from control group with a factor of 10.2, 14.2 and 11.8 fold in
pure, Ag-doped and Zn-doped TNPs respectively, at the highest concentration of 100
µg/mL. Both of the damage measuring parameters show that their toxicity conform the
order as; Ag-doped TNPs > Zn-doped TNPs > pure TNPs. The statistically significant
Type 4 damage was observed for pure and Ag-doped TNPs (p<0.05).
