For research published in 2022 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, scientists examined “the genotoxicity and the intracellular reactive oxygen species induction by physiologically relevant concentrations of three different TiO2 nanomaterials in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 intestinal cells, while considering the potential influence of the digestion process in the NMs’ physiochemical characteristics.” They found a “DNA-damaging effect dependent on the nanomaterial,” along with the micronucleus assay suggesting “effects on chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk, in the HT29-MTX-E12 cells, for all the tested TiO2 nanomaterials.” Researchers concluded that the results showcase “evidence of concern” regarding titanium dioxide used as a food additive.
When it comes to sourcing titanium dioxide, it is essential to understand the various processes involved in its production. The two primary production methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. The sulfate process tends to be more cost-effective in certain contexts, but it also generates a substantial amount of waste, putting pressure on manufacturers to invest in waste treatment technologies. On the other hand, the chloride process is known for its superior quality and lower environmental impact, albeit at a higher production cost.