Open AccessIn situ detection of the Zn 2+ release process of ZnO NPs in tumour cells by confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscopy
Author(s) -
Song Wenshuang,
Tang Xiaoling,
Li Yong,
Sun Yang,
Kong Jilie,
Qingguang Ren
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
iet nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1751-875X
DOI - 10.1049/iet-nbt.2015.0031
Subject(s) - zinc , fluorescence , scanning electron microscope , transmission electron microscopy , nanoparticle , materials science , fluorescence microscope , nanotechnology , confocal , confocal microscopy , confocal laser scanning microscopy , in situ , microscopy , chemical engineering , biophysics , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , organic chemistry , optics , physics , engineering , metallurgy , composite material , biology
The use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer is not yet clear for human clinical applications, which is primarily due to the lack of a better understanding of the action mechanisms and cellular consequences of the direct exposure of cells to these NPs. In this work, the authors have selected zinquin ethyl ester, a Zn 2+ ‐specific fluorescent molecular probe, to efficiently differentiate ZnO NPs and Zn 2+ , and combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to in situ study the Zn 2+ release process of ZnO NPs in cancer cell system through detecting the change of Zn 2+ level over time. During the experiments, the authors have designed the test group ZnO‐2 in addition to assess the influence of a long‐term storage on the characteristics of ZnO NPs in aqueous solution, and the Zn 2+ release process of ZnO NPs in cancer cell system. After three‐month storage at room temperature, the release process became earlier and faster, which was consistent with previous results of transmission electron microscope, UV‐Vis and PL spectra. It is a good detection method that combination of Zn 2+ ‐specific fluorescent molecular probe and CLSM, which will be helpful for ZnO NPs using in clinical research.