Application of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment

Titanium, being one of the most common elements in the world, is a metal which can be found in plants and animals. It naturally reacts with oxygen and forms titanium oxides, commonly found in soils, sands and ores. In fact, we are familiar with titanium dioxide in our daily lives, as it has a wide range of uses including paints, paper, plastics, cosmetics, sunscreen, etc. Mainly it is produced in two forms: pigment grade titanium and ultrafine (nanomaterial) titanium. Pigment grade form is used commonly in paints and plastics due to its high opacity and brightness, whereas nanomaterial form is chosen as sunscreen and catalyst.

Photo-catalytic properties of TiO2 have led numerous researches about its potential uses in the field of human health, especially as a treatment modality of cancer. Every year, hundreds of thousands people lose their lives due to cancer. As the treatments we have lose their effect on the disease, scientists look for new approaches. One of techniques is nanotechnology and the uses of its products and systems in the field.

The main purpose of using nanoparticles in the treatment is to discover and design nanoparticles for drug delivery, while increasing the effect of stimulant and declining the after-effects. It’s rather challenging to design such particles, since they may be toxic for human beings. However, physical and electrochemical properties of TiO2 make it suitable and safe for use in photodynamic processes.

There are two main therapy methods using titanium dioxide: Radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

TiO2 Nanoparticles in Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy, in which ionizing radiation used to spot tumour cells, is the most common method to cure cancer. Since the aim is not to damage healthy cells while killing tumors, the effect of radiation to tumour, also called tumour radio sensitivity, is crucial. So, contrast agents with high atomic number are used to absorb radiation so that healthy tissues will not be affected. The study of Youkhana et.al states that TiO2 nanoparticles positively affect the dose delivery. Hence, titanium dioxide can be used as a theranostic agent.

TiO2 Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy is increasingly being recognized as an alternative treatment for cancer, compared with surgical, radiological and chemotherapeutic therapies. When TiO2 nanoparticles are illuminated by UV light, photo-induced electrons and holes are created. Besides, these electrons and holes can react with water to form oxidative radicals, which are suitable for destroying the structure of tumor cells. Due to its high photocatalytic efficiency, low toxicity and high photostability, scientists have focused on applications of titanium dioxide as a photosensitizer to cure cancer.

Carbon Nanotube Threads

Since its discovery, carbon nanotube (CNT) has attracted many interests in different technology fields due to its extraordinary properties. Properties such as, high strength, great electrical and thermal conductivity, light weight and flexibility made CNT one of the best materials for wide range of applications. However, from its name it can be understood that CNT is a nanoscale material which is very small to be applied for the production of daily products. Researchers all around the world are working on finding methods and techniques which could produce new materials with the extraordinary properties of CNT. Image retrieved from: https://worldindustrialreporter.com/strong-light-flexible-carbon-nanotubes-threads-with-ultrahigh-conductivity/ One of these research is focusing on the production of high strength threads that can be used in the manufacturing of fabrics, cables and ropes. An international group of scientists were able to produce a flexible conductive thread that i

Multi Walled Carbon Nanotube Dispersions

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have attracted enormous attention in recent years due to its unique physical, electronic, optical and potential applications in materials science and nanotechnology. The van der Waals interaction between tubes, however, makes CNTs aggregate in most organic solvents and aqueous solutions, which is the major limitation of their practical applications.Various approaches have been studied to alter the CNT surface to promote the dispersion of individual nanotubes and prevent their reaggregation. On the basis of this widely accepted viewpoint, numerous techniques such as covalent bonding, surfactant coating and polymer wrapping have been developed for surface modification or sidewall functionalization.These methods, however, are complicated, time-consuming and cause permanent damage to the CNT structure and properties of the surface, which produces residues of the dispersion agent for the final product. Figure: Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) It has re

Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder and Applications

General Information about Magnesium Oxide Magnesium oxide which has the chemical formula of MgO, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase and is a source of Magnesium. It is a white powder at room temperature. Magnesium Oxide has very high melting point (2825 o C) and boiling point (3600 o C). Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder and Usage Areas Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles/nanopowder can be used in many different areas. For example Magnesium Oxide nanoparticles/nanopowder are used as a fire retardant for chemical fiber and plastics trades. For making crucible, smelter, insulated conduit, electrode bar, and electrode sheet Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles/Nanopowder can be used as electric insulating material. Magnesium Oxide nan

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