china medical use of titanium dioxide

In a 2020 study published in the Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, researchers conducted an in vitro experiment to analyze the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on a human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell line. The scientists evaluated “reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, cellular antioxidant response, endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.” The results showed that exposure to the nanoparticles “induced ROS generation in a dose dependent manner, with values reaching up to 10 fold those of controls. Nrf2 nuclear localization and autophagy also increased in a dose dependent manner. Apoptosis increased by 4- to 10-fold compared to the control group, depending on the dose employed.” 

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Anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a key inorganic compound renowned for its exceptional photocatalytic properties, stability, and versatility in various applications. Among the various crystalline forms of titanium dioxide, anatase is particularly favored in industries ranging from paints and coatings to cosmetics and solar cells. The rise of anatase titanium dioxide manufacturers is a testament to the compound’s increasing importance in modern technology and environmental applications.


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Manufacturers of rutile titanium dioxide employ different processes to produce this versatile pigment. The two primary methods are the sulfate process and the chloride process. In the sulfate process, ilmenite ore is treated with sulfuric acid to form titanyl sulfate solution, which is subsequently processed into titanium dioxide. This method typically results in a more opaque and durable pigment that is preferred in applications where weatherability is crucial. On the other hand, the chloride process involves treating rutile ore with chlorine gas to produce titanium tetrachloride, which is then refined and oxidized to form titanium dioxide. This method often yields a higher purity product suitable for applications requiring greater brightness and color stability.

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