The author thanks Marco Leona, Scientist-in-Charge of the Department of Scientific Research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for conducting fluorescence spectrometry on Wheel of Fortune and a valuable discussion of the research, as well as Silvia Centeno, Research Scientist at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, who performed Raman analysis on the watercolors and also contributed her insight. The phenomenon of the phosphorescing lithopone was originally discovered during the author's fellowship in the Sherman Fairchild Center for the Conservation of Works on Paper, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The author thanks all her colleagues for their ideas and support during the research of this paper, and special thanks to Rachel Mustalish for her assistance in editing this work.

Additionally, the construction sector benefits from MBR9668’s properties. Architectural coatings that incorporate this advanced titanium dioxide ensure enhanced resistance to UV degradation, meaning buildings can maintain their visual appeal and structural integrity longer than those using inferior materials. The superior performance against fungal and algal growth in exterior paints is another advantage, making MBR9668 an attractive option for developers concerned about the maintenance and lifespan of their structures.

For research published in Archives of Toxicology in 2020, scientists fed one group of mice a solution containing titanium dioxide for one month, and compared it to those that did not receive the additive. They found “the richness and evenness of gut microbiota were remarkably decreased and the gut microbial community compositions were significantly changed” in the titanium dioxide group when compared with the control group. The tests also revealed that the titanium dioxide exposure could cause locomotor dysfunction, or mobility issues “by elevating the excitement of enteric neurons, which might spread to the brain via gut-brain communication by vagal pathway.” The researchers concluded: “These findings provide valuable insights into the novel mechanism of TiO2NP-induced neurotoxicity. Understanding the microbiota-gut-brain axis will provide the foundation for potential therapeutic or prevention approaches against TiO2NP-induced gut and brain-related disorders.”