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90451 
Journal Article 
Does lung surfactant promote disaggregation of nanostructured titanium dioxide? 
Maier, M; Hannebauer, B; Holldorff, H; Albers, P 
2006 
Yes 
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
ISSN: 1076-2752
EISSN: 1536-5948 
48 
12 
1314-1320 
English 
17159647 
WOS:000242841900010 
OBJECTIVE: Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) is highly aggregated and agglomerated when inhaled. There are discussions regarding whether lung surfactant may promote the disaggregation of TiO2 particles. We investigated whether dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl-choline (DPPC), the main component of lung surfactant, can split the bonds between TiO2 aggregates and agglomerates. METHODS: We calculated the energy required to split aggregates into primary particles and agglomerates into aggregates as well the energy of the interaction of a TiO2 surface with a DPPC bilayer. To test the calculations, we measured the particle size distribution of TiO2 suspensions in a pulmonary liquid model. RESULTS: Calculated splitting energy between TiO2 aggregates was 1 J/m2 and 10 J/m2 between primary particles. The calculated interaction between DPPC and TiO2 was significantly weaker (0.05 J/m2). Calculations were shown to be in accordance with the measured particle size distribution of TiO2 suspensions in the pulmonary liquid model. CONCLUSION: We conclude that lung surfactant does not promote the disaggregation of TiO2 agglomerates and aggregates.