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.