Skittles has been making headlines in recent weeks and not because a new flavor has been added to the popular taste the rainbow candy.
The market for anatase titanium dioxide has expanded significantly over the years, driven by growing demand from various sectors. Manufacturers are now focusing on optimizing the production processes to enhance the quality and performance of anatase TiO2. This includes advancements in synthesis methods to produce nanoparticles with improved dispersion and stability. Companies are investing in research and development to innovate new applications, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable materials.
For research published in 2022 study in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, scientists examined “the genotoxicity and the intracellular reactive oxygen species induction by physiologically relevant concentrations of three different TiO2 nanomaterials in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX-E12 intestinal cells, while considering the potential influence of the digestion process in the NMs’ physiochemical characteristics.” They found a “DNA-damaging effect dependent on the nanomaterial,” along with the micronucleus assay suggesting “effects on chromosomal integrity, an indicator of cancer risk, in the HT29-MTX-E12 cells, for all the tested TiO2 nanomaterials.” Researchers concluded that the results showcase “evidence of concern” regarding titanium dioxide used as a food additive.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. As the global demand for TiO2 continues to rise, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability will be a critical task for China. The country will need to continue innovating and implementing more eco-friendly production methods while ensuring the competitiveness of its TiO2 industry on the global stage.Zinc Oxide
There are many ways we’re exposed to titanium dioxide in our everyday life. Below are the most common ways we encounter titanium dioxide.
Lithopone pigments find extensive use in coatings, plastics, printing inks, and even cosmetics due to their excellent hiding power, light stability, and heat resistance. They serve as cost-effective alternatives to titanium dioxide, another widely used white pigment, while offering comparable performance qualities They serve as cost-effective alternatives to titanium dioxide, another widely used white pigment, while offering comparable performance qualities