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McIntosh O, García-Florentino C, Fornaro T, Marabello D, Alberini A, Siljeström S, Biczysko M, Szopa C, Brucato J. Undecanoic Acid and L-Phenylalanine in Vermiculite: Detection, Characterization, and UV Degradation Studies for Biosignature Identification on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:518-537. [PMID: 38669050 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Solar radiation that arrives on the surface of Mars interacts with organic molecules present in the soil. The radiation can degrade or transform the organic matter and make the search for biosignatures on the planet's surface difficult. Therefore, samples to be analyzed by instruments on board Mars probes for molecular content should be selectively chosen to have the highest organic preservation content. To support the identification of organic molecules on Mars, the behavior under UV irradiation of two organic compounds, undecanoic acid and L-phenylalanine, in the presence of vermiculite and two chloride salts, NaCl and MgCl, was studied. The degradation of the molecule's bands was monitored through IR spectroscopy. Our results show that, while vermiculite acts as a photoprotective mineral with L-phenylalanine, it catalyzes the photodegradation of undecanoic acid molecules. On the other hand, both chloride salts studied decreased the degradation of both organic species acting as photoprotectors. While these results do not allow us to conclude on the preservation capabilities of vermiculite, they show that places where chloride salts are present could be good candidates for in situ analytic experiments on Mars due to their organic preservation capacity under UV radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélie McIntosh
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
- INAF - Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Firenze, Italy
| | - Cristina García-Florentino
- INAF - Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Firenze, Italy
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Teresa Fornaro
- INAF - Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Firenze, Italy
| | - Domenica Marabello
- Department of Chemistry, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Crystallography, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Sandra Siljeström
- Department of Methodology, Textiles and Medical Technology, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malgorzata Biczysko
- International Centre for Quantum and Molecular Structures, Physics Department, College of Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cyril Szopa
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - John Brucato
- INAF - Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Firenze, Italy
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2
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Moulay V, Freissinet C, Rizk-Bigourd M, Buch A, Ancelin M, Couturier E, Breton C, Trainer MG, Szopa C. Selection and Analytical Performances of the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer Gas Chromatographic Columns to Support the Search for Organic Molecules of Astrobiological Interest on Titan. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:213-229. [PMID: 36577024 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Titan is a key planetary body for astrobiology, with the presence of a subsurface ocean and a dense atmosphere, in which complex chemistry is known to occur. Approximately 1-Titan-year after the Cassini-Huygens mission arrived in the saturnian system, Dragonfly rotorcraft will land on Titan's surface by 2034 for an exhaustive geophysical and chemical investigation of the Shangri-La organic sand sea region. Among the four instruments onboard Dragonfly, the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer (DraMS) is dedicated to analyze the chemical composition of surface samples and noble gases in the atmosphere. One of the DraMS analysis modes, the Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), is devoted to the detection and identification of organic molecules that could be involved in the development of a prebiotic chemistry or even representative of traces of past or present life. Therefore, DraMS-GC subsystem should be optimized to detect and identify relevant organic compounds to meet this objective. This work is focused on the experimental methods employed to select the chromatographic column to be integrated in DraMS-GC, to assess the analytical performances of the column selected, and also to assess the performances of the second DraMS-GC column, which is devoted to the separation of organic enantiomers. Four different stationary phases have been tested to select the most relevant one for the separation of the targeted chemical species. The results show that the stationary phase composed of polymethyl (95%) diphenyl (5%) siloxane is the best compromise in terms of efficiency, robustness, and retention times of the molecules. The combination of the general and the chiral columns in DraMS is perfectly suited to in situ chemical analysis on Titan and for the detection of expected diverse and complex organic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Moulay
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Caroline Freissinet
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Malak Rizk-Bigourd
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Arnaud Buch
- Laboratoire Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, CentraleSupelec, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Mayline Ancelin
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Elise Couturier
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Caroline Breton
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Melissa G Trainer
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Cyril Szopa
- LATMOS/IPSL, UVSQ Université Paris-Saclay, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Guyancourt, France
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3
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Wang J, Pursell ME, DeVor A, Awoyemi O, Valentine SJ, Li P. Portable mass spectrometry system: instrumentation, applications, and path to 'omics analysis. Proteomics 2022; 22:e2200112. [PMID: 36349734 PMCID: PMC10278091 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Mass spectrometry (MS) is an information rich analytical technique and plays a key role in various 'omics studies. Standard mass spectrometers are bulky and operate at high vacuum, which hinder their adoption by the broader community and utility in field applications. Developing portable mass spectrometers can significantly expand the application scope and user groups of MS analysis. This review discusses the basics and recent advancements in the development of key components of portable mass spectrometers including ionization source, mass analyzer, detector, and vacuum system. Further, major areas where portable mass spectrometers are applied are also discussed. Finally, a perspective on the further development of portable mass spectrometers including the potential benefits for 'omics analysis is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Madison E. Pursell
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Amanda DeVor
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Awoyemi
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stephen J. Valentine
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Peng Li
- C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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4
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Mora MF, Kok MGM, Noell A, Willis PA. Detection of Biosignatures by Capillary Electrophoresis Mass Spectrometry in the Presence of Salts Relevant to Ocean Worlds Missions. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:914-925. [PMID: 35913998 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a promising liquid-based technique for in situ chemical analysis on ocean worlds that allows the detection of a wide range of organic molecules relevant to the search for life. CE coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is particularly valuable as it also enables the discovery of unknown compounds. Here we demonstrate that CE coupled to MS via electrospray ionization (ESI) can readily analyze samples containing up to half the saturation levels of salts relevant to ocean worlds when using 5 M acetic acid as the separation media. A mixture containing amino acids, peptides, nucleobases, and nucleosides was analyzed in the presence of two salts, NaCl and MgSO4, based on their relevance to Europa and Enceladus. We demonstrate here CE-MS limits of detection for these organics ranging from 0.05 to 1 μM (8 to 89 ppb) in the absence of salts. More importantly, we demonstrate here for the first time that organics in the low micromolar range (1-50 μM) are detected by CE-MS in the presence of 3 M NaCl without desalting, preconcentration, or derivatization. This demonstration highlights how CE-MS is uniquely suited for organic analysis on future missions to ocean worlds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Mora
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Miranda G M Kok
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Aaron Noell
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Peter A Willis
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
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5
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Xu Q, Hong J, Liu S, Zhai Y, Xu W. Development of a miniature protein mass spectrometer capable of analyzing native proteins. Talanta 2021; 233:122580. [PMID: 34215072 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Current miniature mass spectrometers were usually designed for the detection of small and medium size molecules, including volatile (semi-volatile) compounds, drugs and lipids. In this study, a miniature protein mass spectrometer was developed in this work, which could serve as a biosensor for the rapid identification of proteins as well as their conformations. A linear ion trap with a field radius of 2.5 mm was designed to extend mass range of the instrument to over 6500 Th. Mass resolution and sensitivity of the instrument were also optimized for protein ions by increasing the buffer gas pressure and using a high-gain Faraday detector. It is then demonstrated that the mass spectra of native proteins, such as IgG1, could be acquired by coupling the instrument with a soft electrospray ionization source. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, results suggest that the current instrument could be used to identify target proteins and probe/distinguish their conformations in solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Jie Hong
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yanbing Zhai
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Wei Xu
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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6
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Megevand V, Viennet JC, Balan E, Gauthier M, Rosier P, Morand M, Garino Y, Guillaumet M, Pont S, Beyssac O, Bernard S. Impact of UV Radiation on the Raman Signal of Cystine: Implications for the Detection of S-rich Organics on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:566-574. [PMID: 33691484 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Traces of life may have been preserved in ancient martian rocks in the form of molecular fossils. Yet the surface of Mars is continuously exposed to intense UV radiation detrimental to the preservation of organics. Because the payload of the next rovers going to Mars to seek traces of life will comprise Raman spectroscopy tools, laboratory simulations that document the effect of UV radiation on the Raman signal of organics appear critically needed. The experiments conducted here evidence that UV radiation is directly responsible for the increase of disorder and for the creation of electronic defects and radicals within the molecular structure of S-rich organics such as cystine, enhancing the contribution of light diffusion processes to the Raman signal. The present results suggest that long exposure to UV radiation would ultimately be responsible for the total degradation of the Raman signal of cystine. Yet because the degradation induced by UV is not instantaneous, it should be possible to detect freshly excavated S-rich organics with the Raman instruments on board the rovers. Alternatively, given the very short lifetime of organic fluorescence (nanoseconds) compared to most mineral luminescence (micro- to milliseconds), exploiting fluorescence signals might allow the detection of S-rich organics on Mars. In any case, as illustrated here, we should not expect to detect pristine S-rich organic compounds on Mars, but rather by-products of their degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Megevand
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - J C Viennet
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - E Balan
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - M Gauthier
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - P Rosier
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - M Morand
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Y Garino
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - M Guillaumet
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - S Pont
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - O Beyssac
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - S Bernard
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Institut de Minéralogie, Physique des Matériaux et Cosmochimie, CNRS UMR 7590, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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7
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Seaton KM, Cable ML, Stockton AM. Analytical Chemistry in Astrobiology. Anal Chem 2021; 93:5981-5997. [PMID: 33835785 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This Feature introduces and discusses the findings of key analytical techniques used to study planetary bodies in our solar system in the search for life beyond Earth, future missions planned for high-priority astrobiology targets in our solar system, and the challenges we face in performing these investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Marshall Seaton
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Morgan Leigh Cable
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Amanda Michelle Stockton
- School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, North Avenue NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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8
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Rojas Vivas JA, Navarro-González R, de la Rosa J, Molina P, Sedov S, McKay CP. Radiolytic Degradation of Soil Carbon from the Mojave Desert by 60Co Gamma Rays: Implications for the Survival of Martian Organic Compounds Due to Cosmic Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:381-393. [PMID: 33351679 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The martian surface has been continuously exposed to galactic cosmic radiation. Since organic compounds are degraded by ionizing radiation, knowledge of their decay constants is fundamental to predicting their stability on the martian surface. In this study, we report the radiolysis constant for the destruction of soil organic compounds at a starting concentration of ∼2011 μg C/gsoil from the Mojave Desert. The soils were exposed to gamma irradiation with absorbed doses of up to 19 MGy at room temperature, representing ∼250 million years of exposure to galactic cosmic rays. The destruction of total soil organic carbon and the formation of gases were investigated by a sequential on-line analytical array coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Soil inorganic and organic carbon were degraded exponentially with a radiolysis constant 0.3 MGy-1(30%) producing mostly carbon dioxide (93.2%), carbon monoxide (6.2%), and methane (0.6%). Using the dose rate measured by the Radiation Assessment Detector on board the Curiosity rover, we make predictions on the survival of organic compounds in the cold martian subsurface. It is estimated that soil organic compounds with initial concentrations as those found today at the Mojave Desert would have been destroyed to levels <1 ppb at 0.1 m in depth in ∼2000 Myr. Pristine organic compounds are expected to be present at a depth of ∼1.5 m. These results are relevant for the search of organic compounds in past, present, and future missions to Mars. In particular, we predict that the upcoming ExoMars will encounter pristine organic compounds at this depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alfredo Rojas Vivas
- Posgrado en Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito de la investigación S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Rafael Navarro-González
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José de la Rosa
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Paola Molina
- Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sergey Sedov
- Departamento de Ciencias Ambientales y del Suelo, Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito de la investigación S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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9
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Ligterink NFW, Grimaudo V, Moreno-García P, Lukmanov R, Tulej M, Leya I, Lindner R, Wurz P, Cockell CS, Ehrenfreund P, Riedo A. ORIGIN: a novel and compact Laser Desorption - Mass Spectrometry system for sensitive in situ detection of amino acids on extraterrestrial surfaces. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9641. [PMID: 32541786 PMCID: PMC7296031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
For the last four decades space exploration missions have searched for molecular life on planetary surfaces beyond Earth. Often pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry has been used as payload on such space exploration missions. These instruments have relatively low detection sensitivity and their measurements are often undermined by the presence of chloride salts and minerals. Currently, ocean worlds in the outer Solar System, such as the icy moons Europa and Enceladus, represent potentially habitable environments and are therefore prime targets for the search for biosignatures. For future space exploration missions, novel measurement concepts, capable of detecting low concentrations of biomolecules with significantly improved sensitivity and specificity are required. Here we report on a novel analytical technique for the detection of extremely low concentrations of amino acids using ORIGIN, a compact and lightweight laser desorption ionization - mass spectrometer designed and developed for in situ space exploration missions. The identified unique mass fragmentation patterns of amino acids coupled to a multi-position laser scan, allows for a robust identification and quantification of amino acids. With a detection limit of a few fmol mm-2, and the possibility for sub-fmol detection sensitivity, this measurement technique excels current space exploration systems by three orders of magnitude. Moreover, our detection method is not affected by chemical alterations through surface minerals and/or salts, such as NaCl that is expected to be present at the percent level on ocean worlds. Our results demonstrate that ORIGIN is a promising instrument for the detection of signatures of life and ready for upcoming space missions, such as the Europa Lander.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Moreno-García
- Interfacial Electrochemistry Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rustam Lukmanov
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ingo Leya
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Robert Lindner
- Life Support and Physical Sciences Instrumentation Section, European Space Agency, ESTEC, Bern, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Wurz
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences, Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Charles S Cockell
- School of Physics and Astronomy, UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, 20052, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Laboratory for Astrophysics, Leiden Observatory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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10
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Nguyen QLD, Peters WK, Fortenberry RC. Highly-excited state properties of cumulenone chlorides in the vacuum-ultraviolet. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020; 22:11838-11849. [PMID: 32426777 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp01835j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent observations of chloromethane in interstellar environments suggest that other organohalogens, which are known to be critically important in Earth's atmosphere, may also be of significance beyond our own terrestrial veil. This raises the question of how such molecules behave under extreme conditions such as when exposed to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation. VUV photons promote molecules to highly excited states that fragment in non-statistical patterns controlled by the initial femtosecond dynamics. A detailed understanding of VUV-driven photochemistry in complex organic molecules that consist of more than one functional group is a particularly challenging task. This quantum chemical analysis reports the electronic states and ionization potentials up to the VUV range (6-11 eV) of the chlorine-substituted cumulenone series molecules. The valence and Rydberg properties of lone-pair terminated, π-conjugated systems are explored for their potential resonance with lone pairs from elsewhere in the system. The carbon chain elongation within the family ClHCnO, where n = 1-4, influences the electronic excitations, associated wavefunctions, and ionization potentials of the molecules. The predicted geometries and ionization potentials are in good agreement with the available experimental photoelectron spectra for formyl chloride and chloroketene, n = 1-2. Furthermore, comparison between the regular cumulenone species and the corresponding chlorinated derivatives exhibit similar behaviors especially for n = 3, where the allene backbone in propadienone chloride is severely bent. Most notably for the excited states is that the Rydberg character becomes more dominant as the energy increases, with some retaining valence characters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh L D Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
| | - William K Peters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA.
| | - Ryan C Fortenberry
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677-1848, USA
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11
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Glavin DP, Burton AS, Elsila JE, Aponte JC, Dworkin JP. The Search for Chiral Asymmetry as a Potential Biosignature in our Solar System. Chem Rev 2019; 120:4660-4689. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P. Glavin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, United States
| | - Aaron S. Burton
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas 77058, United States
| | - Jamie E. Elsila
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, United States
| | - José C. Aponte
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, United States
- Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. 20064, United States
| | - Jason P. Dworkin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland 20771, United States
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12
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Mißbach H, Steininger H, Thiel V, Goetz W. Investigating the Effect of Perchlorate on Flight-like Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry as Performed by MOMA on board the ExoMars 2020 Rover. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:1339-1352. [PMID: 31532228 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument on board ESA's ExoMars 2020 rover will be essential in the search for organic matter. MOMA applies gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques that rely on thermal volatilization. Problematically, perchlorates and chlorates in martian soils and rocks become highly reactive during heating (>200°C) and can lead to oxidation and chlorination of organic compounds, potentially rendering them unidentifiable. Here, we analyzed a synthetic sample (alkanols and alkanoic acids on silica gel) and a Silurian chert with and without Mg-perchlorate to evaluate the applicability of MOMA-like GC-MS techniques to different sample types and assess the impact of perchlorate. We used a MOMA flight analog system coupled to a commercial GC-MS to perform MOMA-like pyrolysis, in situ derivatization, and in situ thermochemolysis. We show that pyrolysis can provide a sufficient overview of the organic inventory but is strongly affected by the presence of perchlorates. In situ derivatization facilitates the identification of functionalized organics but showed low efficiency for n-alkanoic acids. Thermochemolysis is shown to be an effective technique for the identification of both refractory and functional compounds. Most importantly, this technique was barely affected by perchlorates. Therefore, MOMA GC-MS analyses of martian surface/subsurface material may be less affected by perchlorates than commonly thought, in particular when applying the full range of available MOMA GC-MS techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Mißbach
- Geobiology, Geoscience Centre, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Harald Steininger
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Goettingen, Germany
- OHB System AG, Weßling-Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Geobiology, Geoscience Centre, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Walter Goetz
- Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, Goettingen, Germany
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13
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Elpa DP, Prabhu GRD, Wu SP, Tay KS, Urban PL. Automation of mass spectrometric detection of analytes and related workflows: A review. Talanta 2019; 208:120304. [PMID: 31816721 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The developments in mass spectrometry (MS) in the past few decades reveal the power and versatility of this technology. MS methods are utilized in routine analyses as well as research activities involving a broad range of analytes (elements and molecules) and countless matrices. However, manual MS analysis is gradually becoming a thing of the past. In this article, the available MS automation strategies are critically evaluated. Automation of analytical workflows culminating with MS detection encompasses involvement of automated operations in any of the steps related to sample handling/treatment before MS detection, sample introduction, MS data acquisition, and MS data processing. Automated MS workflows help to overcome the intrinsic limitations of MS methodology regarding reproducibility, throughput, and the expertise required to operate MS instruments. Such workflows often comprise automated off-line and on-line steps such as sampling, extraction, derivatization, and separation. The most common instrumental tools include autosamplers, multi-axis robots, flow injection systems, and lab-on-a-chip. Prototyping customized automated MS systems is a way to introduce non-standard automated features to MS workflows. The review highlights the enabling role of automated MS procedures in various sectors of academic research and industry. Examples include applications of automated MS workflows in bioscience, environmental studies, and exploration of the outer space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decibel P Elpa
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Gurpur Rakesh D Prabhu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pao Wu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, National Chiao Tung University, 1001 University Rd., Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
| | - Kheng Soo Tay
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pawel L Urban
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan; Frontier Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Sciences of Matters, National Tsing Hua University, 101, Section 2, Kuang-Fu Rd., Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
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14
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Abstract
According to the 2015 Astrobiology Strategy, a central goal of astrobiology is to provide a definition of life. A similar claim is made in the 2018 CRC Handbook of Astrobiology. Yet despite efforts, there remains no consensus on a definition of life. This essay explores an alternative strategy for searching for extraterrestrial life: Search for potentially biological anomalies (as opposed to life per se) using tentative (vs. defining) criteria. The function of tentative criteria is not, like that of defining criteria, to provide an estimate (via a decision procedure) of the likelihood that an extraterrestrial phenomenon is the product of life. Instead, it is to identify phenomena that resist classification as living or nonliving as worthy of further investigation for novel life. For as the history of science reveals, anomalies are a driving force behind scientific discovery and yet (when encountered) are rarely recognized for what they represent because they violate core theoretical beliefs about the phenomena concerned. While the proposed strategy resembles that of current life-detection missions, insofar as it advocates the use of a variety of lines of evidence (biosignatures), it differs from these approaches in ways that increase the likelihood of noticing truly novel forms of life, as opposed to dismissing them as just another poorly understood abiological phenomenon. Moreover, the strategy under consideration would be just as effective at detecting forms of life closely resembling our own as a definition of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol E Cleland
- Department of Philosophy, Center for Astrobiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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15
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Williams AJ, Eigenbrode J, Floyd M, Wilhelm MB, O'Reilly S, Johnson SS, Craft KL, Knudson CA, Andrejkovičová S, Lewis JM, Buch A, Glavin DP, Freissinet C, Williams RH, Szopa C, Millan M, Summons RE, McAdam A, Benison K, Navarro-González R, Malespin C, Mahaffy PR. Recovery of Fatty Acids from Mineralogic Mars Analogs by TMAH Thermochemolysis for the Sample Analysis at Mars Wet Chemistry Experiment on the Curiosity Rover. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:522-546. [PMID: 30869535 PMCID: PMC6459279 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The Mars Curiosity rover carries a diverse instrument payload to characterize habitable environments in the sedimentary layers of Aeolis Mons. One of these instruments is Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM), which contains a mass spectrometer that is capable of detecting organic compounds via pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS). To identify polar organic molecules, the SAM instrument carries the thermochemolysis reagent tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) in methanol (hereafter referred to as TMAH). TMAH can liberate fatty acids bound in macromolecules or chemically bound monomers associated with mineral phases and make these organics detectable via gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) by methylation. Fatty acids, a type of carboxylic acid that contains a carboxyl functional group, are of particular interest given their presence in both biotic and abiotic materials. This work represents the first analyses of a suite of Mars-analog samples using the TMAH experiment under select SAM-like conditions. Samples analyzed include iron oxyhydroxides and iron oxyhydroxysulfates, a mixture of iron oxides/oxyhydroxides and clays, iron sulfide, siliceous sinter, carbonates, and shale. The TMAH experiments produced detectable signals under SAM-like pyrolysis conditions when organics were present either at high concentrations or in geologically modern systems. Although only a few analog samples exhibited a high abundance and variety of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), FAMEs were detected in the majority of analog samples tested. When utilized, the TMAH thermochemolysis experiment on SAM could be an opportunity to detect organic molecules bound in macromolecules on Mars. The detection of a FAME profile is of great astrobiological interest, as it could provide information regarding the source of martian organic material detected by SAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Williams
- Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences, Towson University, Towson, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences and Technology/University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Eigenbrode
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Melissa Floyd
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Shane O'Reilly
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- School of Earth Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Kathleen L. Craft
- Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine A. Knudson
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences and Technology/University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Slavka Andrejkovičová
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences and Technology/University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - James M.T. Lewis
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Universities Space Research Association, Columbia, Maryland, USA
| | - Arnaud Buch
- Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, CentraleSupelec, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Daniel P. Glavin
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Caroline Freissinet
- CNRS–UVSQ Laboratoire Atmosphères Milieux Observations Spatiales LATMOS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Ross H. Williams
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Sciences and Technology/University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Cyril Szopa
- CNRS–UVSQ Laboratoire Atmosphères Milieux Observations Spatiales LATMOS, Guyancourt, France
| | - Maëva Millan
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Roger E. Summons
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy McAdam
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathleen Benison
- Department of Geology and Geography, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Rafael Navarro-González
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Charles Malespin
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul R. Mahaffy
- Space Science Exploration Division (Code 690), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA
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16
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Ferreira Santos MS, Cordeiro TG, Noell AC, Garcia CD, Mora MF. Analysis of inorganic cations and amino acids in high salinity samples by capillary electrophoresis and conductivity detection: Implications for in‐situ exploration of ocean worlds. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:2890-2897. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201800266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thiago Gomes Cordeiro
- Department of ChemistryClemson University Clemson SC USA
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de QuímicaUniversidade de São Paulo Sao Paulo Brazil
| | - Aaron C. Noell
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | | | - Maria F. Mora
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
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17
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Gordon PR, Sephton MA. A Method for Choosing the Best Samples for Mars Sample Return. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:556-570. [PMID: 29443541 PMCID: PMC5962928 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Success of a future Mars Sample Return mission will depend on the correct choice of samples. Pyrolysis-FTIR can be employed as a triage instrument for Mars Sample Return. The technique can thermally dissociate minerals and organic matter for detection. Identification of certain mineral types can determine the habitability of the depositional environment, past or present, while detection of organic matter may suggest past or present habitation. In Mars' history, the Theiikian era represents an attractive target for life search missions and the acquisition of samples. The acidic and increasingly dry Theiikian may have been habitable and followed a lengthy neutral and wet period in Mars' history during which life could have originated and proliferated to achieve relatively abundant levels of biomass with a wide distribution. Moreover, the sulfate minerals produced in the Theiikian are also known to be good preservers of organic matter. We have used pyrolysis-FTIR and samples from a Mars analog ferrous acid stream with a thriving ecosystem to test the triage concept. Pyrolysis-FTIR identified those samples with the greatest probability of habitability and habitation. A three-tier scoring system was developed based on the detection of (i) organic signals, (ii) carbon dioxide and water, and (iii) sulfur dioxide. The presence of each component was given a score of A, B, or C depending on whether the substance had been detected, tentatively detected, or not detected, respectively. Single-step (for greatest possible sensitivity) or multistep (for more diagnostic data) pyrolysis-FTIR methods informed the assignments. The system allowed the highest-priority samples to be categorized as AAA (or A*AA if the organic signal was complex), while the lowest-priority samples could be categorized as CCC. Our methods provide a mechanism with which to rank samples and identify those that should take the highest priority for return to Earth during a Mars Sample Return mission. Key Words: Mars-Astrobiology-Search for Mars' organics-Infrared spectroscopy-Planetary habitability and biosignatures. Astrobiology 18, 556-570.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Gordon
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London , UK
| | - Mark A Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London , UK
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18
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Noell AC, Fisher AM, Fors‐Francis K, Sherrit S. Subcritical water extraction of amino acids from Mars analog soils. Electrophoresis 2018; 39:2854-2863. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201700459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C. Noell
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | - Anita M. Fisher
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | - Kisa Fors‐Francis
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
| | - Stewart Sherrit
- Jet Propulsion LaboratoryCalifornia Institute of Technology Pasadena CA USA
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19
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Olsson-Francis K, Ramkissoon NK, Price AB, Slade DJ, Macey MC, Pearson VK. The Study of Microbial Survival in Extraterrestrial Environments Using Low Earth Orbit and Ground-Based Experiments. J Microbiol Methods 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mim.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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20
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Blanco Y, Gallardo-Carreño I, Ruiz-Bermejo M, Puente-Sánchez F, Cavalcante-Silva E, Quesada A, Prieto-Ballesteros O, Parro V. Critical Assessment of Analytical Techniques in the Search for Biomarkers on Mars: A Mummified Microbial Mat from Antarctica as a Best-Case Scenario. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:984-996. [PMID: 29016195 PMCID: PMC5655591 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The search for biomarkers of present or past life is one of the major challenges for in situ planetary exploration. Multiple constraints limit the performance and sensitivity of remote in situ instrumentation. In addition, the structure, chemical, and mineralogical composition of the sample may complicate the analysis and interpretation of the results. The aim of this work is to highlight the main constraints, performance, and complementarity of several techniques that have already been implemented or are planned to be implemented on Mars for detection of organic and molecular biomarkers on a best-case sample scenario. We analyzed a 1000-year-old desiccated and mummified microbial mat from Antarctica by Raman and IR (infrared) spectroscopies (near- and mid-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis, mass spectrometry (MS), and immunological detection with a life detector chip. In spite of the high organic content (ca. 20% wt/wt) of the sample, the Raman spectra only showed the characteristic spectral peaks of the remaining beta-carotene biomarker and faint peaks of phyllosilicates over a strong fluorescence background. IR spectra complemented the mineralogical information from Raman spectra and showed the main molecular vibrations of the humic acid functional groups. The TG-MS system showed the release of several volatile compounds attributed to biopolymers. An antibody microarray for detecting cyanobacteria (CYANOCHIP) detected biomarkers from Chroococcales, Nostocales, and Oscillatoriales orders. The results highlight limitations of each technique and suggest the necessity of complementary approaches in the search for biomarkers because some analytical techniques might be impaired by sample composition, presentation, or processing. Key Words: Planetary exploration-Life detection-Microbial mat-Life detector chip-Thermogravimetry-Raman spectroscopy-NIR-DRIFTS. Astrobiology 17, 984-996.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Blanco
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Marta Ruiz-Bermejo
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Antonio Quesada
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Biology, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Mathies RA, Razu ME, Kim J, Stockton AM, Turin P, Butterworth A. Feasibility of Detecting Bioorganic Compounds in Enceladus Plumes with the Enceladus Organic Analyzer. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:902-912. [PMID: 28915087 PMCID: PMC5610425 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Enceladus presents an excellent opportunity to detect organic molecules that are relevant for habitability as well as bioorganic molecules that provide evidence for extraterrestrial life because Enceladus' plume is composed of material from the subsurface ocean that has a high habitability potential and significant organic content. A primary challenge is to send instruments to Enceladus that can efficiently sample organic molecules in the plume and analyze for the most relevant molecules with the necessary detection limits. To this end, we present the scientific feasibility and engineering design of the Enceladus Organic Analyzer (EOA) that uses a microfluidic capillary electrophoresis system to provide sensitive detection of a wide range of relevant organic molecules, including amines, amino acids, and carboxylic acids, with ppm plume-detection limits (100 pM limits of detection). Importantly, the design of a capture plate that effectively gathers plume ice particles at encounter velocities from 200 m/s to 5 km/s is described, and the ice particle impact is modeled to demonstrate that material will be efficiently captured without organic decomposition. While the EOA can also operate on a landed mission, the relative technical ease of a fly-by mission to Enceladus, the possibility to nondestructively capture pristine samples from deep within the Enceladus ocean, plus the high sensitivity of the EOA instrument for molecules of bioorganic relevance for life detection argue for the inclusion of EOA on Enceladus missions. Key Words: Lab-on-a-chip-Organic biomarkers-Life detection-Planetary exploration. Astrobiology 17, 902-912.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Mathies
- Department of Chemistry, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Md Enayet Razu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Jungkyu Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Amanda M. Stockton
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Paul Turin
- Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Anna Butterworth
- Berkeley Space Sciences Lab, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California
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22
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Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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23
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Creamer JS, Mora MF, Willis PA. Enhanced Resolution of Chiral Amino Acids with Capillary Electrophoresis for Biosignature Detection in Extraterrestrial Samples. Anal Chem 2016; 89:1329-1337. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b04338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Creamer
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Maria F. Mora
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Peter A. Willis
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California 91109, United States
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24
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Lasne J, Noblet A, Szopa C, Navarro-González R, Cabane M, Poch O, Stalport F, François P, Atreya SK, Coll P. Oxidants at the Surface of Mars: A Review in Light of Recent Exploration Results. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:977-996. [PMID: 27925795 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2016.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In 1976, the Viking landers carried out the most comprehensive search for organics and microbial life in the martian regolith. Their results indicate that Mars' surface is lifeless and, surprisingly, depleted in organics at part-per-billion levels. Several biology experiments on the Viking landers gave controversial results that have since been explained by the presence of oxidizing agents on the surface of Mars. These oxidants may degrade abiotic or biological organics, resulting in their nondetection in the regolith. As several exploration missions currently focus on the detection of organics on Mars (or will do so in the near future), knowledge of the oxidative state of the surface is fundamental. It will allow for determination of the capability of organics to survive on a geological timescale, the most favorable places to seek them, and the best methods to process the samples collected at the surface. With this aim, we review the main oxidants assumed to be present on Mars, their possible formation pathways, and those laboratory studies in which their reactivity with organics under Mars-like conditions has been evaluated. Among the oxidants assumed to be present on Mars, only four have been detected so far: perchlorate ions (ClO4-) in salts, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the atmosphere, and clays and metal oxides composing surface minerals. Clays have been suggested as catalysts for the oxidation of organics but are treated as oxidants in the following to keep the structure of this article straightforward. This work provides an insight into the oxidizing potential of the surface of Mars and an estimate of the stability of organic matter in an oxidizing environment. Key Words: Mars surface-Astrobiology-Oxidant-Chemical reactions. Astrobiology 16, 977-996.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Lasne
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
| | - A Noblet
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
| | - C Szopa
- 2 LATMOS, UPMC Université Paris 06, Université Versailles St Quentin , CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - R Navarro-González
- 3 Laboratorio de Química de Plasmas y Estudios Planetarios, Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Ciudad de México, México
| | - M Cabane
- 2 LATMOS, UPMC Université Paris 06, Université Versailles St Quentin , CNRS, Guyancourt, France
| | - O Poch
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
- 4 NCCR PlanetS, Physikalisches Institut, Universität Bern , Bern, Switzerland
| | - F Stalport
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
| | - P François
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
- 5 IC2MP, Equipe Eau Géochimie Santé, Université de Poitiers , CNRS UMR 7285, Poitiers, France
| | - S K Atreya
- 6 Department of Climate and Space Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - P Coll
- 1 LISA, Universités Paris-Est Créteil and Paris Diderot, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace , CNRS UMR 7583, Créteil, France
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25
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Tennakone K. Contact Electrification of Regolith Particles and Chloride Electrolysis: Synthesis of Perchlorates on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:811-816. [PMID: 27681637 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Contact electrification of chloride-impregnated martian regolith particles due to eolian agitation and moisture condensation on coalesced oppositely charged grains may lead to spontaneous electrolysis that generates hypochlorite, chlorite, chlorate, and perchlorate with a concomitant reduction of water to hydrogen. This process is not curtailed even if moisture condenses as ice because chloride ionizes on the surface of ice. Limitations dictated by potentials needed for electrolysis and breakdown electric fields enable estimation of the required regolith grain size. The estimated dimension turns out to be of the same order of magnitude as the expected median size of martian regolith, and a simple calculation yields the optimum rate of perchlorate production. Key Words: Mars oxidants-Perchlorate-Dust electrification-Electrolysis. Astrobiology 16, 811-816.
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Tang S, Chen B, McKay CP, Navarro-Gonzálezv R, Wang AX. Detection of trace organics in Martian soil analogs using fluorescence-free surface enhanced 1064-nm Raman Spectroscopy. OPTICS EXPRESS 2016; 24:22104-22109. [PMID: 27661945 DOI: 10.1364/oe.24.022104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A significant technology challenge in planetary missions is the in situ detection of organics at the sub-part-per-million (ppm) level in soils. This article reports the organic compound detection in Mars-like soils at the sub-ppm level using an ultra-sensitive spectral sensing technique based on fluorescence-free surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), which has a significantly improved sensitivity and reduced fluorescence noise. Raman spectral detection of ppm level organics in Antarctic Dry Valley and Mojave Desert soils have been obtained for the first time, which otherwise are not detected by other Raman spectral techniques.
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McCaig HC, Stockton A, Crilly C, Chung S, Kanik I, Lin Y, Zhong F. Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction of Coronene in the Presence of Perchlorate for In Situ Chemical Analysis of Martian Regolith. ASTROBIOLOGY 2016; 16:703-714. [PMID: 27623199 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The analysis of the organic compounds present in the martian regolith is essential for understanding the history and habitability of Mars, as well as studying the signs of possible extant or extinct life. To date, pyrolysis, the only technique that has been used to extract organic compounds from the martian regolith, has not enabled the detection of unaltered native martian organics. The elevated temperatures required for pyrolysis extraction can cause native martian organics to react with perchlorate salts in the regolith and possibly result in the chlorohydrocarbons that have been detected by in situ instruments. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extraction is an alternative to pyrolysis that may be capable of delivering unaltered native organic species to an in situ detector. In this study, we report the SCCO2 extraction of unaltered coronene, a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), from martian regolith simulants, in the presence of 3 parts per thousand (ppth) sodium perchlorate. PAHs are a class of nonpolar molecules of astrobiological interest and are delivered to the martian surface by meteoritic infall. We also determined that the extraction efficiency of coronene was unaffected by the presence of perchlorate on the regolith simulant, and that no sodium perchlorate was extracted by SCCO2. This indicates that SCCO2 extraction can provide de-salted samples that could be directly delivered to a variety of in situ detectors. SCCO2 was also used to extract trace native fluorescent organic compounds from the martian regolith simulant JSC Mars-1, providing further evidence that SCCO2 extraction may provide an alternative to pyrolysis to enable the delivery of unaltered native organic compounds to an in situ detector on a future Mars rover. KEY WORDS Biomarkers-Carbon dioxide-In situ measurement-Mars-Search for Mars' organics. Astrobiology 16, 703-714.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C McCaig
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | | | - Candice Crilly
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
- 3 Occidental College , Los Angeles, California
| | - Shirley Chung
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Isik Kanik
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Ying Lin
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Fang Zhong
- 1 Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
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28
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Montgomery W, Bromiley GD, Sephton MA. The nature of organic records in impact excavated rocks on Mars. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30947. [PMID: 27492071 PMCID: PMC4974657 DOI: 10.1038/srep30947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Impact ejected rocks are targets for life detection missions to Mars. The Martian subsurface is more favourable to organic preservation than the surface owing to an attenuation of radiation and physical separation from oxidising materials with increasing depth. Impact events bring materials to the surface where they may be accessed without complicated drilling procedures. On Earth, different assemblages of organic matter types are derived from varying depositional environments. Here we assess whether these different types of organic materials can survive impact events without corruption. We subjected four terrestrial organic matter types to elevated pressures and temperatures in piston-cylinder experiments followed by chemical characterisation using whole-rock pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our data reveal that long chain hydrocarbon-dominated organic matter (types I and II; mainly microbial or algal) are unresistant to pressure whereas aromatic hydrocarbon-dominated organic matter types (types III and IV; mainly land plant, metamorphosed or degraded, displaying some superficial chemical similarities to abiotic meteoritic organic matter) are relatively resistant. This suggests that the impact excavated record of potential biology on Mars will be unavoidably biased, with microbial organic matter underrepresented while metamorphosed, degraded or abiotic meteoritic organic matter types will be selectively preserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Montgomery
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - G D Bromiley
- School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh, Grant Institute, West Main Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW, UK
| | - M A Sephton
- Impacts and Astromaterials Research Centre, Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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29
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Myrgorodska I, Javelle T, Meinert C, Meierhenrich UJ. Enantioselective Gas Chromatography in Search of the Origin of Biomolecular Asymmetry in Outer Space. Isr J Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.201600067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Myrgorodska
- Institut de Chimie de Nice ICN, UMR CNRS 7272; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences; ParcValrose 06108 Nice France
- Synchrotron SOLEIL; L'Orme des Merisiers; BP 48 Saint Aubin 91192 Gif-sur-Yvette France
| | - Thomas Javelle
- Institut de Chimie de Nice ICN, UMR CNRS 7272; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences; ParcValrose 06108 Nice France
| | - Cornelia Meinert
- Institut de Chimie de Nice ICN, UMR CNRS 7272; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences; ParcValrose 06108 Nice France
| | - Uwe J. Meierhenrich
- Institut de Chimie de Nice ICN, UMR CNRS 7272; Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Faculté des Sciences; ParcValrose 06108 Nice France
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30
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David M, Musadji NY, Labanowski J, Sternberg R, Geffroy-Rodier C. Pilot for Validation of Online Pretreatments for Analyses of Organics by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry: Application to Space Research. Anal Chem 2016; 88:5137-44. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. David
- Université
Paris—Est-Créteil, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des
Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, 61 avenue du General de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - N.-Y. Musadji
- Université
de Poitiers, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de
Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR CNRS 7285, Equipe Eau Géochimie Santé, 4 rue Michel Brunet, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - J. Labanowski
- Université
de Poitiers, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de
Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR CNRS 7285, Equipe Eau Géochimie Santé, 4 rue Michel Brunet, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - R. Sternberg
- Université
Paris—Est-Créteil, Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des
Systèmes Atmosphériques (LISA), UMR CNRS 7583, 61 avenue du General de Gaulle, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - C. Geffroy-Rodier
- Université
de Poitiers, Institut de Chimie des Milieux et Matériaux de
Poitiers (IC2MP), UMR CNRS 7285, Equipe Eau Géochimie Santé, 4 rue Michel Brunet, 86073 Poitiers, France
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton T. Snyder
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Christopher J. Pulliam
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Zheng Ouyang
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, W.
Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - R. Graham Cooks
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Analytical Instrumentation
Development, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907
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32
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Röling WF, Aerts JW, Patty CL, ten Kate IL, Ehrenfreund P, Direito SO. The Significance of Microbe-Mineral-Biomarker Interactions in the Detection of Life on Mars and Beyond. ASTROBIOLOGY 2015; 15:492-507. [PMID: 26060985 PMCID: PMC4490593 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The detection of biomarkers plays a central role in our effort to establish whether there is, or was, life beyond Earth. In this review, we address the importance of considering mineralogy in relation to the selection of locations and biomarker detection methodologies with characteristics most promising for exploration. We review relevant mineral-biomarker and mineral-microbe interactions. The local mineralogy on a particular planet reflects its past and current environmental conditions and allows a habitability assessment by comparison with life under extreme conditions on Earth. The type of mineral significantly influences the potential abundances and types of biomarkers and microorganisms containing these biomarkers. The strong adsorptive power of some minerals aids in the preservation of biomarkers and may have been important in the origin of life. On the other hand, this strong adsorption as well as oxidizing properties of minerals can interfere with efficient extraction and detection of biomarkers. Differences in mechanisms of adsorption and in properties of minerals and biomarkers suggest that it will be difficult to design a single extraction procedure for a wide range of biomarkers. While on Mars samples can be used for direct detection of biomarkers such as nucleic acids, amino acids, and lipids, on other planetary bodies remote spectrometric detection of biosignatures has to be relied upon. The interpretation of spectral signatures of photosynthesis can also be affected by local mineralogy. We identify current gaps in our knowledge and indicate how they may be filled to improve the chances of detecting biomarkers on Mars and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred F.M. Röling
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joost W. Aerts
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C.H. Lucas Patty
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Inge Loes ten Kate
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Pascale Ehrenfreund
- Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
- Leiden Observatory, University of Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Susana O.L. Direito
- Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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33
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Freissinet C, Glavin DP, Mahaffy PR, Miller KE, Eigenbrode JL, Summons RE, Brunner AE, Buch A, Szopa C, Archer PD, Franz HB, Atreya SK, Brinckerhoff WB, Cabane M, Coll P, Conrad PG, Des Marais DJ, Dworkin JP, Fairén AG, François P, Grotzinger JP, Kashyap S, ten Kate IL, Leshin LA, Malespin CA, Martin MG, Martin-Torres FJ, McAdam AC, Ming DW, Navarro-González R, Pavlov AA, Prats BD, Squyres SW, Steele A, Stern JC, Sumner DY, Sutter B, Zorzano MP. Organic molecules in the Sheepbed Mudstone, Gale Crater, Mars. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. PLANETS 2015; 120:495-514. [PMID: 26690960 PMCID: PMC4672966 DOI: 10.1002/2014je004737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument on board the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover is designed to conduct inorganic and organic chemical analyses of the atmosphere and the surface regolith and rocks to help evaluate the past and present habitability potential of Mars at Gale Crater. Central to this task is the development of an inventory of any organic molecules present to elucidate processes associated with their origin, diagenesis, concentration, and long-term preservation. This will guide the future search for biosignatures. Here we report the definitive identification of chlorobenzene (150-300 parts per billion by weight (ppbw)) and C2 to C4 dichloroalkanes (up to 70 ppbw) with the SAM gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) and detection of chlorobenzene in the direct evolved gas analysis (EGA) mode, in multiple portions of the fines from the Cumberland drill hole in the Sheepbed mudstone at Yellowknife Bay. When combined with GCMS and EGA data from multiple scooped and drilled samples, blank runs, and supporting laboratory analog studies, the elevated levels of chlorobenzene and the dichloroalkanes cannot be solely explained by instrument background sources known to be present in SAM. We conclude that these chlorinated hydrocarbons are the reaction products of Martian chlorine and organic carbon derived from Martian sources (e.g., igneous, hydrothermal, atmospheric, or biological) or exogenous sources such as meteorites, comets, or interplanetary dust particles. KEY POINTS First in situ evidence of nonterrestrial organics in Martian surface sediments Chlorinated hydrocarbons identified in the Sheepbed mudstone by SAM Organics preserved in sample exposed to ionizing radiation and oxidative condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Freissinet
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- NASA Postdoctoral Program, Oak Ridge Associated UniversitiesOak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
- Correspondence to:
C. Freissinet and P. R. Mahaffy,, ,
| | - D P Glavin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - P R Mahaffy
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Correspondence to:
C. Freissinet and P. R. Mahaffy,, ,
| | - K E Miller
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J L Eigenbrode
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - R E Summons
- Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A E Brunner
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of MarylandCollege Park, Maryland, USA
| | - A Buch
- Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés et Matériaux, Ecole Centrale ParisChâtenay-Malabry, France
| | - C Szopa
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRSParis, France
| | - P D Archer
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - H B Franz
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - S K Atreya
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - W B Brinckerhoff
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - M Cabane
- Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, and CNRSParis, France
| | - P Coll
- Laboratoire Interuniversitaire des Systèmes Atmosphériques, Université Paris-Est Créteil, Paris VII–Denis Diderot University, and CNRSCréteil, France
| | - P G Conrad
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D J Des Marais
- Exobiology Branch, NASA Ames Research CenterMoffett Field, California, USA
| | - J P Dworkin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - A G Fairén
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, USA
- Centro de Astrobiología, INTA-CSICMadrid, Spain
| | - P François
- Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - J P Grotzinger
- Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences, California Institute of TechnologyPasadena, California, USA
| | - S Kashyap
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Center for Research and Exploration in Space Science & Technology, University of Maryland, Baltimore CountyBaltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - I L ten Kate
- Earth Sciences Department, Utrecht UniversityUtrecht, Netherlands
| | - L A Leshin
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and School of Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteTroy, New York, USA
| | - C A Malespin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Goddard Earth Sciences and Technologies and Research, Universities Space Research AssociationColumbia, Maryland, USA
| | - M G Martin
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Catholic University of AmericaWashington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - F J Martin-Torres
- Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR)Granada, Spain
- Division of Space Technology, Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering, Luleå University of TechnologyKiruna, Sweden
| | - A C McAdam
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D W Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - R Navarro-González
- Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad UniversitariaMéxico City, Mexico
| | - A A Pavlov
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - B D Prats
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - S W Squyres
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell UniversityIthaca, New York, USA
| | - A Steele
- Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of WashingtonWashington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - J C Stern
- Solar System Exploration Division, NASA Goddard Space Flight CenterGreenbelt, Maryland, USA
| | - D Y Sumner
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of CaliforniaDavis, California, USA
| | - B Sutter
- Jacobs, NASA Johnson Space CenterHouston, Texas, USA
| | - M-P Zorzano
- Centro de Astrobiologia (INTA-CSIC)Madrid, Spain
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34
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Summons RE, Sessions AL, Allwood AC, Barton HA, Beaty DW, Blakkolb B, Canham J, Clark BC, Dworkin JP, Lin Y, Mathies R, Milkovich SM, Steele A. Planning considerations related to the organic contamination of Martian samples and implications for the Mars 2020 Rover. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:969-1027. [PMID: 25495496 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2014.1244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- R E Summons
- 1 Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Massachusetts
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35
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Chloromethane release from carbonaceous meteorite affords new insight into Mars lander findings. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7010. [PMID: 25394222 PMCID: PMC4230006 DOI: 10.1038/srep07010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Controversy continues as to whether chloromethane (CH3Cl) detected during pyrolysis of Martian soils by the Viking and Curiosity Mars landers is indicative of organic matter indigenous to Mars. Here we demonstrate CH3Cl release (up to 8 μg/g) during low temperature (150–400°C) pyrolysis of the carbonaceous chondrite Murchison with chloride or perchlorate as chlorine source and confirm unequivocally by stable isotope analysis the extraterrestrial origin of the methyl group (δ2H +800 to +1100‰, δ13C −19.2 to +10‰,). In the terrestrial environment CH3Cl released during pyrolysis of organic matter derives from the methoxyl pool. The methoxyl pool in Murchison is consistent both in magnitude (0.044%) and isotope signature (δ2H +1054 ± 626‰, δ13C +43.2 ± 38.8‰,) with that of the CH3Cl released on pyrolysis. Thus CH3Cl emissions recorded by Mars lander experiments may be attributed to methoxyl groups in undegraded organic matter in meteoritic debris reaching the Martian surface being converted to CH3Cl with perchlorate or chloride in Martian soil. However we cannot discount emissions arising additionally from organic matter of indigenous origin. The stable isotope signatures of CH3Cl detected on Mars could potentially be utilized to determine its origin by distinguishing between terrestrial contamination, meteoritic infall and indigenous Martian sources.
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36
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Yang B, Zhang M, Kanyanee T, Stamos BN, Dasgupta PK. An Open Tubular Ion Chromatograph. Anal Chem 2014; 86:11554-61. [DOI: 10.1021/ac503249t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bingcheng Yang
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019-0065, United States
- School
of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019-0065, United States
| | - Tinakorn Kanyanee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019-0065, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Brian N. Stamos
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019-0065, United States
| | - Purnendu K. Dasgupta
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas 76019-0065, United States
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Groemer G, Sattler B, Weisleitner K, Hunger L, Kohstall C, Frisch A, Józefowicz M, Meszyński S, Storrie-Lombardi M, Bothe C, Boyd A, Dinkelaker A, Dissertori M, Fasching D, Fischer M, Föger D, Foresta L, Frischauf N, Fritsch L, Fuchs H, Gautsch C, Gerard S, Goetzloff L, Gołebiowska I, Gorur P, Groemer G, Groll P, Haider C, Haider O, Hauth E, Hauth S, Hettrich S, Jais W, Jones N, Taj-Eddine K, Karl A, Kauerhoff T, Khan MS, Kjeldsen A, Klauck J, Losiak A, Luger M, Luger T, Luger U, McArthur J, Moser L, Neuner J, Orgel C, Ori GG, Paternesi R, Peschier J, Pfeil I, Prock S, Radinger J, Ragonig C, Ramirez B, Ramo W, Rampey M, Sams A, Sams E, Sams S, Sandu O, Sans A, Sansone P, Scheer D, Schildhammer D, Scornet Q, Sejkora N, Soucek A, Stadler A, Stummer F, Stumptner W, Taraba M, Tlustos R, Toferer E, Turetschek T, Winter E, Zanella-Kux K. Field trial of a dual-wavelength fluorescent emission (L.I.F.E.) instrument and the Magma White rover during the MARS2013 Mars analog mission. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:391-405. [PMID: 24823800 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2013.1081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract We have developed a portable dual-wavelength laser fluorescence spectrometer as part of a multi-instrument optical probe to characterize mineral, organic, and microbial species in extreme environments. Operating at 405 and 532 nm, the instrument was originally designed for use by human explorers to produce a laser-induced fluorescence emission (L.I.F.E.) spectral database of the mineral and organic molecules found in the microbial communities of Earth's cryosphere. Recently, our team had the opportunity to explore the strengths and limitations of the instrument when it was deployed on a remote-controlled Mars analog rover. In February 2013, the instrument was deployed on board the Magma White rover platform during the MARS2013 Mars analog field mission in the Kess Kess formation near Erfoud, Morocco. During these tests, we followed tele-science work flows pertinent to Mars surface missions in a simulated spaceflight environment. We report on the L.I.F.E. instrument setup, data processing, and performance during field trials. A pilot postmission laboratory analysis determined that rock samples acquired during the field mission exhibited a fluorescence signal from the Sun-exposed side characteristic of chlorophyll a following excitation at 405 nm. A weak fluorescence response to excitation at 532 nm may have originated from another microbial photosynthetic pigment, phycoerythrin, but final assignment awaits development of a comprehensive database of mineral and organic fluorescence spectra. No chlorophyll fluorescence signal was detected from the shaded underside of the samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Groemer
- 1 Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck, Austria
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38
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White LM, Gibson EK, Thomas-Keprta KL, Clemett SJ, McKay DS. Putative indigenous carbon-bearing alteration features in martian meteorite Yamato 000593. ASTROBIOLOGY 2014; 14:170-181. [PMID: 24552234 PMCID: PMC3929347 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2011.0733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We report the first observation of indigenous carbonaceous matter in the martian meteorite Yamato 000593. The carbonaceous phases are heterogeneously distributed within secondary iddingsite alteration veins and present in a range of morphologies including areas composed of carbon-rich spheroidal assemblages encased in multiple layers of iddingsite. We also observed microtubular features emanating from iddingsite veins penetrating into the host olivine comparable in shape to those interpreted to have formed by bioerosion in terrestrial basalts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. White
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Earth, Astronomy & Physics Mission Formulation, Pasadena, California
| | - Everett K. Gibson
- NASA Johnson Space Center, KR, Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | - David S. McKay
- NASA Johnson Space Center, KR, Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science, Houston, Texas
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Ming DW, Archer PD, Glavin DP, Eigenbrode JL, Franz HB, Sutter B, Brunner AE, Stern JC, Freissinet C, McAdam AC, Mahaffy PR, Cabane M, Coll P, Campbell JL, Atreya SK, Niles PB, Bell JF, Bish DL, Brinckerhoff WB, Buch A, Conrad PG, Des Marais DJ, Ehlmann BL, Fairén AG, Farley K, Flesch GJ, Francois P, Gellert R, Grant JA, Grotzinger JP, Gupta S, Herkenhoff KE, Hurowitz JA, Leshin LA, Lewis KW, McLennan SM, Miller KE, Moersch J, Morris RV, Navarro-González R, Pavlov AA, Perrett GM, Pradler I, Squyres SW, Summons RE, Steele A, Stolper EM, Sumner DY, Szopa C, Teinturier S, Trainer MG, Treiman AH, Vaniman DT, Vasavada AR, Webster CR, Wray JJ, Yingst RA. Volatile and organic compositions of sedimentary rocks in Yellowknife Bay, Gale crater, Mars. Science 2013; 343:1245267. [PMID: 24324276 DOI: 10.1126/science.1245267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
H2O, CO2, SO2, O2, H2, H2S, HCl, chlorinated hydrocarbons, NO, and other trace gases were evolved during pyrolysis of two mudstone samples acquired by the Curiosity rover at Yellowknife Bay within Gale crater, Mars. H2O/OH-bearing phases included 2:1 phyllosilicate(s), bassanite, akaganeite, and amorphous materials. Thermal decomposition of carbonates and combustion of organic materials are candidate sources for the CO2. Concurrent evolution of O2 and chlorinated hydrocarbons suggests the presence of oxychlorine phase(s). Sulfides are likely sources for sulfur-bearing species. Higher abundances of chlorinated hydrocarbons in the mudstone compared with Rocknest windblown materials previously analyzed by Curiosity suggest that indigenous martian or meteoritic organic carbon sources may be preserved in the mudstone; however, the carbon source for the chlorinated hydrocarbons is not definitively of martian origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Ming
- Astromaterials Research and Exploration Science Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058, USA
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Meslin PY, Gasnault O, Forni O, Schröder S, Cousin A, Berger G, Clegg SM, Lasue J, Maurice S, Sautter V, Le Mouélic S, Wiens RC, Fabre C, Goetz W, Bish D, Mangold N, Ehlmann B, Lanza N, Harri AM, Anderson R, Rampe E, McConnochie TH, Pinet P, Blaney D, Léveillé R, Archer D, Barraclough B, Bender S, Blake D, Blank JG, Bridges N, Clark BC, DeFlores L, Delapp D, Dromart G, Dyar MD, Fisk M, Gondet B, Grotzinger J, Herkenhoff K, Johnson J, Lacour JL, Langevin Y, Leshin L, Lewin E, Madsen MB, Melikechi N, Mezzacappa A, Mischna MA, Moores JE, Newsom H, Ollila A, Perez R, Renno N, Sirven JB, Tokar R, de la Torre M, d'Uston L, Vaniman D, Yingst A. Soil diversity and hydration as observed by ChemCam at Gale crater, Mars. Science 2013; 341:1238670. [PMID: 24072924 DOI: 10.1126/science.1238670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The ChemCam instrument, which provides insight into martian soil chemistry at the submillimeter scale, identified two principal soil types along the Curiosity rover traverse: a fine-grained mafic type and a locally derived, coarse-grained felsic type. The mafic soil component is representative of widespread martian soils and is similar in composition to the martian dust. It possesses a ubiquitous hydrogen signature in ChemCam spectra, corresponding to the hydration of the amorphous phases found in the soil by the CheMin instrument. This hydration likely accounts for an important fraction of the global hydration of the surface seen by previous orbital measurements. ChemCam analyses did not reveal any significant exchange of water vapor between the regolith and the atmosphere. These observations provide constraints on the nature of the amorphous phases and their hydration.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-Y Meslin
- Université de Toulouse, UPS-OMP, IRAP, 31028 Toulouse, France.
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Westall F. Microbial Scale Habitability on Mars. HABITABILITY OF OTHER PLANETS AND SATELLITES 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-6546-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Horowitz NH, Hobby GL, Hubbard JS. Viking on Mars: The carbon assimilation experiments. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/js082i028p04659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Toulmin P, Baird AK, Clark BC, Keil K, Rose HJ, Christian RP, Evans PH, Kelliher WC. Geochemical and mineralogical interpretation of the Viking inorganic chemical results. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/js082i028p04625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Pollack JB, Colburn D, Kahn R, Hunter J, Van Camp W, Carlston CE, Wolf MR. Properties of aerosols in the Martian atmosphere, as inferred from Viking Lander imaging data. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/js082i028p04479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Biemann K, Oro J, Toulmin P, Orgel LE, Nier AO, Anderson DM, Simmonds PG, Flory D, Diaz AV, Rushneck DR, Biller JE, Lafleur AL. The search for organic substances and inorganic volatile compounds in the surface of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/js082i028p04641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Owen T, Biemann K, Rushneck DR, Biller JE, Howarth DW, Lafleur AL. The composition of the atmosphere at the surface of Mars. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/js082i028p04635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Moores JE, Schuerger AC. UV degradation of accreted organics on Mars: IDP longevity, surface reservoir of organics, and relevance to the detection of methane in the atmosphere. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1029/2012je004060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Biemann K, Bada JL. Comment on “Reanalysis of the Viking results suggests perchlorate and organics at midlatitudes on Mars” by Rafael Navarro-González et al. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1029/2011je003869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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