Zebrafish embryos were exposed to a titanium dioxide nanocomposite containing 3% cerium oxide at 0.1 to 20 mg/L. The nanocomposite did not cause developmental toxicity, though heart rate at 48 hours differed at 1 mg/L and above and a stress protein response appeared at the two lowest concentrations.
Key numbers
- Exposure concentrations 0.1, 1, 10 and 20 mg/L of titanium dioxide with 3% cerium oxide (abstract).
- Heartbeat at 48 hours post-fertilization differed significantly from controls at 1, 10 and 20 mg/L; heat shock protein 70 responded at 0.1 and 1 mg/L; metallothionein showed no response (abstract).
Methods (brief)
Fish embryo acute toxicity test with heartbeat analysis by video software and immunofluorescence for heat shock protein 70 and metallothioneins.
Evidence fitness
Ecotoxicity screening of a mixed-oxide nanomaterial. It cannot isolate cerium effects and does not support statements on human dietary exposure or toxicity.
Limitations
Preliminary design described as such by the authors; cerium is a minor component of the material; no measurement of dissolved cerium.
Related evidence
Update history
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