Nanotoxicologia de partículas de dióxido de titânio em Lactuca sativa (alface)

Abstract

In recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has enabled the use of nanoscale materials, revealing unprecedented and promising properties for various fields of knowledge. In this context, nanoparticles (NPs), especially titanium dioxide (TiO₂), have gained prominence due to their widespread application in the pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and cosmetic sectors. These particles, measuring between 1 and 100 nanometers, exhibit high reactivity, photocatalytic properties, and the ability to interact with living organisms, making them efficient, but also susceptible to generating environmental and biological impacts that are still poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the phytotoxicity of TiO₂ NPs using lettuce (Lactuca sativa), a species widely recognized as a model bioindicator in toxicity studies. Lettuce was chosen for its agronomic importance, ease of cultivation, and widespread use in laboratory testing. Optical, laser confocal, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to analyze the effects of nanoparticles on plant samples, allowing detailed observation of the morphological and cellular changes caused by exposure to TiO₂. Microscopic analyses revealed morphological changes indicative of physiological stress, such as cellular disorganization, increased fluorescence in chloroplasts, and the appearance of intercellular spaces. These results reinforce the need for more in-depth toxicological studies on the impacts of nanoparticles and greater attention to their use.