The vitaminC@P25TiO₂NPs, on the other hand, were obtained through an optimized method based on Mallakpour et al. [27]. Initially, 0.02 g of P25TiO₂NPs were dispersed in 1 mL of ultrapure water and stirred in a Vortex. Next, 100 μL of HCl (0.01 M) were added (pH 2) to 100 uL of P25TiO₂NPs to avoid gel formation. Then, 100 μL of vitamin C dissolved in ultra-pure water (5.0 × 10⁻³ M) solution were added to the mixture and was ultrasonicated for 30 min. Finally, vitamin C was added in excess to gain a beige-orange color suspension, and the ultrasonication continued for another 30 min. The pellet obtained after centrifuging the suspension for 10 min at 4500 rpm was resuspended in ultrapure water, centrifuged again, and then lyophilized.

Relative Density Among commonly used white pigments, lithopone has the smallest relative density. Among white pigments of the same mass, titanium dioxide has the largest surface area and the highest pigment volume.

The Scientific Facts

As of August 7, the use of titanium dioxide in food is banned in the European Union. Europe is taking a precautionary principle approach based on findings from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Lithopone was discovered in the 1870s by DuPont. It was manufactured by Krebs Pigments and Chemical Company and other companies. The material came in different seals, which varied in the content of zinc sulfide. Gold seal and Bronze seals contain 40-50% zinc sulfide, offering more hiding power and strength. Although its popularity peaked around 1920, approximately 223,352 tons were produced in 1990. It is mainly used in paints, putty, and in plastics.

Overall, TiO2 powder suppliers play a vital role in ensuring that industries have access to the high-quality TiO2 powder they need for their various applications. By sourcing and supplying this essential raw material, TiO2 powder suppliers help to drive innovation and growth in industries around the world.

Animal studies show exposure to titanium dioxide is linked to immunotoxicity, inflammation and neurotoxicity. 

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2019 sought to examine the effects of titanium dioxide on intestinal inflammation. Researchers did this by feeding rats titanium dioxide nanoparticles and found that, after the course of two to three months, the animals had lower body weights and induced intestinal inflammation. The researchers also found the nanoparticles altered gut microbiota composition and aggravated chronic colitis. The rats also experienced reduced populations of CD4+T cells (which are cells that help organize immune responses by prompting other immune cells to fight infection), regulatory T cells, and white blood cells in mesenteric lymph nodes. The researchers wrote: “Dietary TiO2 nanoparticles could interfere with the balance of the immune system and dynamic of gut microbiome, which may result in low-grade intestinal inflammation and aggravated immunological response to external stimulus, thus introducing potential health risk.”

TiO₂ has been well accepted in the food industry and can be found as the E171 additive in various food products, mainly for whitening and texture. It is present in some cottage and Mozzarella cheeses, horseradish cream and sauces, lemon curd, and in low-fat products such as skimmed milk and ice-cream. Even if the product is labelled as containing E171, no information is usually given about the quantity, particle size and particle structure. FDA claims that TiO₂ may be safely used as a colour additive for colouring foods in quantities up to 1 % by weight of the food. Interestingly, TiO₂ is frequently declared as a “natural colouring agent” and is therefore well accepted by consumers.