Optimized method for preparation of TiO2 nanoparticles dispersion for biological study.

The objective of the present study was to develop a practical method to prepare a stable dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles for biological studies. To address this matter a variety of different approaches for suspension of nanoparticles were conducted. TiO2 (rutile/anatase) dispersions were prepared in distilled water following by treated with different ultrasound energies and various dispersion stabilizers (1.0% carboxymethyl cellulose, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K4M, 100% fetal bovine serum, and 2.5% bovine serum albumin). The average size of dispersed TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles was measured by dynamic light scattering device. Agglomerate sizes of TiO2 in distilled water and 100% FBS were estimated using TEM analysis. Sedimentation rate of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles in dispersion was monitored by optical absorbance detection. In vitro cytotoxicity of various stabilizers in 16-HBE cells was measured using MTT assay. The optimized process for preparation of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles dispersion was first to vibrate the nanoparticles by vortex and disperse particles by ultrasonic vibration in distilled water, then to add dispersion stabilizers to the dispersion, and finally to sonicate the nanoparticles in dispersion. TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles were disaggregated sufficiently with an ultrasound energy of 33 W for 10 min. The formation of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) agglomerates in distilled water was decreased obviously by addition of 1.0% CMC, 0.5% HPMC K4M, 100% FBS and 2.5% BSA. For the benefit of cell growth, FBS is the most suitable stabilizer for preparation of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) particle dispersions and subsequent investigation of the in vivo and in vitro behavior of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles. This method is practicable to prepare a stable dispersion of TiO2 (rutile/anatase) nanoparticles for at least 120 h.