The Effect of Chemical Treatment Conditions of Titanium Dioxide Sols on Their Dispersion and Cytotoxic Properties

The effect of neutralization conditions of TiO2 acid sol obtained by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (the nature of monovalent cation (Li+, Na+, NH4+) of electrolyte, chemical nature of a dialyzing solution, and surface modification of nanoparticles with glycidyl isopropyl ether (GE)) on TiO2 dispersion and cytotoxic properties was investigated. The initial TiO2 and sols after treatment were examined by a set of physicochemical methods: XRD, CS, SAXS, AFM, and TEM. The in vitro toxic effect of nanoparticles was studied on a monolayer of MDCK (Madin-Darby canine kidney) cells by trypan blue staining. It was shown that chemical nature of the electrolyte cation affects solagglomeration, which increases in a series Li+ > Na+ > NH4+, and the use of phosphate buffer for soldialysis facilitates the formation of more uniform disperse systems. Surface modification of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) with glycidyl isopropyl ether (GE) was found to decrease its toxic effect on the cells.