Australian researchers examined how titanium dioxide as a food additive affected gut microbiota in mice by orally administering it in drinking water. The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition in 2019, found the treatment could “alter the release of bacterial metabolites in vivo and affect the spatial distribution of commensal bacteria in vitro by promoting biofilm formation. We also found reduced expression of the colonic mucin 2 gene, a key component of the intestinal mucus layer, and increased expression of the beta defensin gene, indicating that titanium dioxide significantly impacts gut homeostasis.” The changes were then linked to colonic inflammation, along with a higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, which are signal proteins that help with regulation. The researchers concluded that titanium dioxide “impairs gut homeostasis which may in turn prime the host for disease development.”

Because beauty should never come at the price of your health.

This regulation entered into force on 7 February 2022. However, the Regulation included a six-month transitional period to allow food businesses time to phase out the use of this food additive and to reformulate their products using suitable alternatives. This period will end on 7 August 2022.

When E171 is part of a food product, it passes through the digestive system without causing harm because E171 combines with the other ingredients. 

Used for coloring paint, ink, rubber, etc. Inorganic white pigments are widely used as white pigments in plastics such as polyolefin, vinyl resin, ABS resin, polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon and polyformaldehyde, as well as paints and inks. It is less effective in polyurethane and amino resins, and less suitable in fluoroplastics. It is also used for coloring rubber products, papermaking, varnished cloth, oilcloth, leather, watercolor paints, paper, enamel, etc. Used as an adhesive in the production of electric beads.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility in the manufacturing industry. Titanium dioxide manufacturers are no exception, with many companies implementing eco-friendly practices to minimize their impact on the environment. This includes reducing energy consumption, implementing recycling programs, and exploring alternative production methods that are more environmentally friendly.

The morphology of vitaminB2@P25TiO₂NPs is coherent with the description of Degussa P25 typical population. Size distribution histograms were made from manual measures of the nanoparticles observed in SEM micrographs using ImageJ®. This data showed that more than 70% is anatase (between 20 and 60 nm) with a minor amount of rutile characteristic bars (between 80 and 100 nm) and a small amount of amorphous phase (<40 nm) [36]. Further analysis of the same sample areas with an EDS probe demonstrated the presence of organic material composed of C and O (Fig. 2). This material was found homogeneously distributed on the surface of the different shapes of P25TiO₂NP, not in the background, indicating a specific interaction that could be attributed to the functionalization of the P25TiO₂NPs with vitamin B2.

TiO₂ absorbs UV light. This property makes it appear bright white under light, unlike other white materials that can look slightly yellow.