Review article Review of health safety aspects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in food application

Food grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely used as a food additive in the food industry. Compared to TiO2 bulk particles, TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has even more advantages on application. However, the health safety aspects of the TiO2 NPs via oral exposure have attracted public attention due to its potential toxicity. In this review, the broad application of TiO2 NPs in the field of food industry and estimated human oral exposure as well as the advances in oral toxicity in vivo and in vitro were summarized. Research prospect of food safety of TiO2 NPs was also presented. We hope that this review would provide scientific basis for the safe application of TiO2 NPs and promote the sustainable development of nanotechnology.