5. Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance of synthesis of
poly-L-lysine coated fluorescent ZnO NPs (ZnO_T_PLL) that can be used
for time-lapse microscopy upto 72 hours in DMEM media using LSCM without
photobleaching. Specifically, we show that 3D live imaging can be
implemented to quantify the cellular retention of ZnO particles in
preclinical evaluations based on in vitro assays. Moreover, we
demonstrate the (i) cellular uptake of the fluorescent ZnO NPs leads to
increased ROS formation (ii) reduction of MCF-7 cell viability at a
concentration of 40µg/mL and (iii) simultaneous monitoring of dynamic
pattern in ZnO distribution in MCF-7 cells and ROS generation. The
proposed particle can be further improved in terms of targeting
capability through specific functionalization of the NPs. Furthermore,
the proposed volumetric imaging techniques can be used for optimization
of the NP dosage. On the basis of current research, the fluorescent
particles can be further tested in animals to check whether it is
possible to eliminate them through the immune system.