The present invention relates to methods of producing surface-modified nanoparticulate particles at least of one metal oxide, metal hydroxide and/or metal oxide hydroxide, and aqueous suspensions of these particles. The invention further relates to the surface-modified nanoparticulate particles, obtainable by these methods, at least of one metal oxide, metal hydroxide and/or metal oxide hydroxide and aqueous suspensions of these particles, and to their use for cosmetic sunscreen preparations, as stabilizer in plastics and as antimicrobial active ingredient.