Duan et al. administered 125 mg/kg BW or 250 mg/kg BW of anatase TiO₂ (5 nm) intragastrically to mice continuously for 30 days. The exposed mice lost body weight, whereas the relative liver, kidney, spleen and thymus weights increased. Particles seriously affected the haemostasis of the blood and the immune system. The decrease in the immune response could be the result of damage to the spleen, which is the largest immune organ in animals and plays an important role in the immune response. Powel et al. demonstrated that TiO₂ NPs may trigger immune reactions of the intestine after oral intake. They showed that TiO₂ NPs conjugated with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, but not TiO₂ NPs or lipopolysaccharide alone, trigger the immune response in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in isolated intestinal tissue. This indicates that TiO₂ NPs may be important mediators in overcoming normal gut-cell hyporesponsiveness to endogenous luminal molecules, which may be particularly relevant to patients with inflammatory bowel disease, which is characterized by an abnormal intestinal permeability.

Titanium is a common metal element frequently found throughout nature. In our environment, titanium is naturally exposed to oxygen, forming titanium oxides that we find in many minerals, dusts, sands, and soils.

Our scientific experts applied for the first time the 2018 EFSA Scientific Committee Guidance on Nanotechnology to the safety assessment of food additives. Titanium dioxide E 171 contains at most 50% of particles in the nano range (i.e. less than 100 nanometres) to which consumers may be exposed.  

Often used as a glaze for ceramics, titanium dioxide provides a bright, glossy finish and improves the durability and stain resistance of ceramic products.

We've measured many different immunological markers, both in the mucosa of the intestine and the lymphoid organs part of the intestine and we didn't see any inflammation there or changes in white blood cell number, Kaminski said. They also looked at the spleen where titanium dioxide was taken up into the bloodstream. You would expect [titanium dioxide] would be filtered out in the spleen and maybe induce inflammation there, but we did not see that, Kaminski added.

Moreover, sustainability is becoming increasingly important in manufacturing practices. Companies that prioritize environmentally-friendly processes and ethically sourced materials can enhance their brand image and meet the rising consumer demand for sustainable products. While cheap titanium dioxide manufacturers may offer lower prices, businesses should also evaluate their commitment to sustainable practices and social responsibility.

Moreover, the gravimetric method's inherent accuracy makes it a preferred choice for regulatory compliance. Many manufacturing processes are subject to stringent quality regulations, and having reliable methods for determining material composition is fundamental to meeting these standards. Accurate gravimetric analysis assists manufacturers in minimizing waste, optimizing formulations, and ensuring that end products are both effective and safe.