Does the shape of titanium dioxide nanoparticles modulate their biological effects in human keratinocytes?

Skin protection is important element in reducing the level of sunburns (erythema), and cancer risk from the ultraviolet radiation exposure. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are commonly used in sunlight protective products in spite of knowledge gaps on the safety issues concerning their use in medicine and cosmetics. This study aimed to examine the effects of differently shaped TiO2NPs (wire-, plate- and tube-shaped) on immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT cell line) before and after UVB exposure. Stability and morphology of TiO2NPs, as well as their biological effects on HaCaT cells, were determined.