Nonactivated titanium-dioxide nanoparticles promote the growth of Chlamydia trachomatis and decrease the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles

AimsChlamydia trachomatis and herpes simplex virus (HSV) are the most prevalent bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections. Due to the chronic nature of their infections, they are able to interact with titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) applied as food additives or drug delivery vehicles. The aim of this study was to describe the interactions of these two prevalent pathogens with the TiO2 NPs. Methods and ResultsChlamydia trachomatis and HSV-2 were treated with nonactivated TiO2 NPs, silver NPs and silver decorated TiO2 NPs before infection of HeLa and Vero cells. Their intracellular growth was monitored by quantitative PCR. Unexpectedly, the TiO2 NPs (100gml(-1)) increased the growth of C. trachomatis by approximately fourfold, while the HSV-2 replication was not affected. Addition of TiO2 to silver NPs decreased their antimicrobial activity against C. trachomatis up to 2792-fold. ConclusionIn summary, nonactivated TiO2 NPs could increase the replication of C. trachomatis and decrease the antimicrobial activity of silver NPs. Significance and Impact of the StudyThe food industry or drug delivery use of TiO2 NPs could enhance the growth of certain intracellular pathogens and potentially worsen disease symptoms, a feature that should be further investigated.