Biosensing the Presence of Metal Nanoparticles by Spectrally- and Time-Resolved Endogenous Fluorescence in Water Moss Fontinalis antipyretica

Pollution by heavy metals represents a significant environmental burden. We employed confocal microscopy with spectral detection and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) to evaluate the effect of nanoparticles (NPs) from various (Zinc, Nickel, Cobalt, Copper) on endogenous Fontinalis antipyretica moss. Short term (3–5 day) exposure NPs, designed fabricated direct synthesis using femtosecond laser ablation in water, was studied. The green flavonoid and/or lignin peaking between 500 560 nm found be increased Zn significantly reduced Cu. overall red chlorophyll intensity maximum 680 remained largely unchanged after Ni Zn, but decreased presence Co completely abolished All NPs induced changes lifetimes, demonstrating sensitivity this parameter pollution. Gathered data indicate fast responsiveness moss that can thus potentially serve as biosensing tool for monitoring pollution natural environment.