Study of the Embryonic Toxicity of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) Nanoparticles

Currently, the widespread use of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries poses a risk in terms of their potential toxicity. A number of experimental studies provide evidence of the toxic effect of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) NPs on biological objects. In order to supplement the level of knowledge and assess the risks of toxicity and danger of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) NPs, we decided to conduct a comprehensive experiment to study the embryonic toxicity of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) NPs in pregnant rats. For the experiment, mongrel white rats during pregnancy received aqueous dispersions of powders of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) NPs at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day. To characterize the effect of TiO(2) and ZrO(2) NPs on females and the postnatal ontogenesis of offspring, a complex of physiological and biochemical research methods was used. The results of the experiment showed that TiO(2) NPs as ZrO(2) NPs (100 mg/kg per os) cause few shifts of similar orientation in the maternal body. Neither TiO(2) NPs nor ZrO(2) NPs have an embryonic and teratogenic effect on the offspring in utero, but both modify its postnatal development.