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Completed TRL 3 (started at 2, targeting 3)
Novel analytical methods that can be deployed in space for the identification and measurement of organic molecules that are representative of biotic samples are essential for confirming the existence of extraterrestrial life. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical tool that can be used to separate and identify organic molecules that are biosignatures of life and has the potential to be integrated into a space mission. Sample acquisition and preparation are critically important steps for successful implementation of CE-MS for biosignature detection. To obtain the maximum chemical information, it is crucial that any cells found in extraterrestrial samples are lysed and the maximum yield of organic molecules is achieved. The molecules detected by CE-MS can then be used as a fingerprint of the types of cells that are present. This proposal concerns the development of a modular device to trap and lyse cells and concentrate organic molecules that can be integrated directly with CE-MS. This system will be evaluated using complex brine water samples similar to what would be expected on Europa. An important goal is to identify specific molecules that can be used as biosignatures for particular cell types using bacteria as a model organism. This integrated approach will improve the detection limits for cells and their components and enable profiling/identification of any cellular life found on an ocean world. This technology meets the goal of NASA TA 8.3.3.6, “Wet Chemistry Technologies for Life Detection.”
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