Market Dynamics

A 2023 study published in the journal Particle and Fibre Toxicology set out to examine the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in mice “on the course and prognosis of ulcerative colitis,” by creating an ulcerative colitis disease model. Researchers found that the titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly increased the severity of colitis. They also “decreased the body weight, increased the disease activity index and colonic mucosa damage index scores, shortened the colonic length, increased the inflammatory infiltration in the colon.” Researchers concluded: “Oral intake of TiO2 nanoparticles could affect the course of acute colitis in exacerbating the development of ulcerative colitis, prolonging the ulcerative colitis course and inhibiting ulcerative colitis recovery.”

The California plaintiff is apparently not the only one concerned about titanium dioxide. The European Union recently banned its use citing concerns about serious health consequences.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the development of novel applications for Chinese anatase titanium dioxide, such as in the field of energy storage and conversion. For example, it has been investigated as a potential electrode material for lithium-ion batteries, due to its high conductivity and stability. Furthermore, its photocatalytic activity has been explored for use in dye-sensitized solar cells, where it can help to improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion.