Comprehensive Molecular Analysis of the Responses Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Human Keratinocyte Cells

Engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) such as TiO₂ are widely used in products such as cosmetics, clothing, food packaging, drug delivery systems, biosensors, surface cleaning agents, catalysis, etc. due to their unique physico-chemical properties. Extensive application has also increased their opportunities for exposure of these ENPs to human. The safe production and use of ENPs requires improvement in our understanding towards their possible impact on human. The present study demonstrates that exposure of TiO₂ ENPs (8 μg/mL) to human keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) induces the expression of different genes involved in DNA damage, response against stress, cell cycle, transportation and secretion, immune response and apoptosis. These alterations in the expression profile may lead to the mutagenicity; carcinogenicity and cytotoxicity of the exposed cells. The data of the present study can also be helpful in exploring the other pathways induced by the exposure of TiO₂ ENPs in HaCaT cells.