Inclusions in evaporitic minerals sometimes contain remnants of microorganisms or biomarkers, which can be considered as traces of life. Raman spectroscopy with resonance enhancement is one of the best analytical methods to search for such biomarkers in places of interest for astrobiology, including the surface and near subsurface of planet Mars. Portable Raman spectrometers are used as training tools for detection of biomarkers. Investigations of the limits and challenges of detecting biomolecules in crystals using Raman spectroscopy is important because natural occurrences often involve mineral assemblages as well as their fluid and solid inclusions. A portable Raman spectrometer with 532 nm excitation was used for detection of carotenoid biomarkers: salinixanthin of Salinibacter ruber (Bacteroidetes) and α-bacterioruberin of Halorubrum sodomense (Halobacteria) in laboratory-grown artificial inclusions in compound crystals of several chlorides and sulfates, simulating entrapment of microorganisms in evaporitic minerals. Crystals of halite (NaCl), sylvite (KCl), arcanite (K2SO4) and tschermigite ((NH4)Al(SO4)2·12H2O) were grown from synthetic solutions that contained microorganisms. A second crystalline layer of NaCl or K2SO4 was grown subsequently so that primary crystals containing microorganisms are considered as solid inclusions. A portable Raman spectrometer with resonance enabling excitation detected signals of both carotenoid pigments. Correct positions of diagnostic Raman bands corresponding to the specific carotenoids were recorded.
To sustain human deep space exploration or extra-terrestrial settlements where no resupply from the Earth or other planets is possible, technologies for in situ food production, water, air, and waste recovery need to be developed. The Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative (MELiSSA) is such a Regenerative Life Support System (RLSS) and it builds on several bacterial bioprocesses. However, alterations in gravity, temperature, and radiation associated with the space environment can affect survival and functionality of the microorganisms. In this study, representative strains of different carbon and nitrogen metabolisms with application in the MELiSSA were selected for launch and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) exposure. An edible photoautotrophic strain (Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005), a photoheterotrophic strain (Rhodospirillum rubrum S1H), a ureolytic heterotrophic strain (Cupriavidus pinatubonensis 1245), and combinations of C. pinatubonensis 1245 and autotrophic ammonia and nitrite oxidizing strains (Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC19718, Nitrosomonas ureae Nm10, and Nitrobacter winogradskyi Nb255) were sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for 7 days. There, the samples were exposed to 2.8 mGy, a dose 140 times higher than on the Earth, and a temperature of 22°C ± 1°C. On return to the Earth, the cultures were reactivated and their growth and activity were compared with terrestrial controls stored under refrigerated (5°C ± 2°C) or room temperature (22°C ± 1°C and 21°C ± 0°C) conditions. Overall, no difference was observed between terrestrial and ISS samples. Most cultures presented lower cell viability after the test, regardless of the type of exposure, indicating a harsher effect of the storage and sample preparation than the spaceflight itself. Postmission analysis revealed the successful survival and proliferation of all cultures except for Arthrospira, which suffered from the premission depressurization test. These observations validate the possibility of launching, storing, and reactivating bacteria with essential functionalities for microbial bioprocesses in RLSS.
Methane conversion and in particular the formation of the C-O bond is one of fundamental entries to organic chemistry and it appears to be essential for understanding parts of atmospheric chemistry of Titan, but, in broader terms it might be also relevant for Earth-like exoplanets. Theoretical study of the reactions of methane with atomic oxygen ion in its excited electronic states requires treating simultaneously at least 19 electronic states. Development of a computational strategy that would allow chemically reasonable and computationally feasible treatment of the CH4 (X)/O(+) ((2)D, (2)P) system is by far not trivial and it requires careful examination of all the complex features of the corresponding 19 potential energy surfaces. Before entering the discussion of the rich (photo) chemistry, inspection of the long range behavior of the system with focus on electric dipole transition moments is required. Our calculations show nonzero probability for the reactants to decay before entering the multiple avoided crossings region of the [CH4 + O → products](+) reaction. For the CH4/O(+) ((2)P) system non-zero transition moment probabilities occur over the entire range of considered C-O distances (up to 15 Å), while for the CH4/O(+) ((2)D) system these probabilities are lower by one order of magnitude and were found only at C-O distances smaller than 6 Å.
- MeSH
- atmosféra * MeSH
- exobiologie MeSH
- kyslík chemie MeSH
- methan chemie MeSH
- mimozemské prostředí * MeSH
- Saturn * MeSH
- teoretické modely * MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
A handheld Raman spectrometer (Ahura First Defender) was tested for the unambiguous identification of biomolecules (pure amino acids, carboxylic acids, saccharides and trehalose) in the solid state under outdoor conditions (including moderate climate conditions as well as cold temperatures and high altitudes). The biomolecules investigated represent important objects of interest for future exobiological missions. Repetitive measurements carried out under identical instrumental setups confirmed the excellent reliability of the Raman spectrometer. Raman bands are found at correct wavenumbers +/-3 cm(-1) compared with reference values. This testing represents the first step in a series of studies. In a preliminary, challenging investigation to determine the detection limit for glycine dispersed in a powdered gypsum matrix, 10% was the lowest content confirmed unambiguously. Clearly there is a need to investigate further the detection limits of Raman spectroscopic analyses of biomolecules in more complex samples, to demonstrate the usefulness or disqualify the use of this technique for more realistic outdoor situations, such as eventual future missions to Mars.
- MeSH
- aminokyseliny analýza MeSH
- exobiologie přístrojové vybavení metody MeSH
- kyseliny karboxylové analýza MeSH
- limita detekce MeSH
- nadmořská výška MeSH
- nízká teplota MeSH
- Ramanova spektroskopie metody MeSH
- sacharidy analýza MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
