Hydrophilic/hydrophobic features of TiO2 nanoparticles as a function of crystal phase, surface area and coating, in relation to their potential toxicity in peripheral nervous system

► TiO2-NP hydrated surface hydrophilicity depends on crystal phase and surface coating. ► TiO2-NP surface charge is negative and similar for all polymorphs. ► TiO2-NP neurotoxicity depends on crystal phase (anatase-rutile > anatase ≫ rutile). ► Inorganic/organic surface coating does not protect against the TiO2-induced apoptosis. ► Optimized dispersion protocol allowed to perform viability DRG cells assays.