A novel miniature confocal microscope/Raman spectrometer system for biomolecular analysis on future Mars missions after Antarctic trials

Dickensheets, David L.; Wynn‐Williams, D. D.; Edwards, Howell G. M.; Schoen, Christian; Crowder, Chelle; Newton, Emma M.

doi:10.1002/1097-4555(200007)31:7<633::aid-jrs620>3.0.co;2-r

Cited by 115 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 18 publications

(9 reference statements)

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“…Raman spectroscopy is an extremely promising technique for life detection systems in space exploration. Therefore, the development of miniaturized instruments and their exploitation for the analysis of geological samples on Earth will prepare the possible future deployment of Raman instruments to test for pigments such as carotenoids deposited by extinct or extant organisms in the Mars regolith (9,34,35,62,63,(111)(112)(113)(114)(115)(116)(117)(118). Very recent publications review the state of the art of the use of portable and handheld Raman instruments and experience using these instruments (119)(120)(121).…”

Section: Advanced Raman Spectroscopic Techniques In Microbiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Raman Spectroscopy of Microbial Pigments

Jehlička

Edwards

Oren

2014

Appl Environ Microbiol

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147

114

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Raman spectroscopy is a rapid nondestructive technique providing spectroscopic and structural information on both organic and inorganic molecular compounds. Extensive applications for the method in the characterization of pigments have been found. Due to the high sensitivity of Raman spectroscopy for the detection of chlorophylls, carotenoids, scytonemin, and a range of other pigments found in the microbial world, it is an excellent technique to monitor the presence of such pigments, both in pure cultures and in environmental samples. Miniaturized portable handheld instruments are available; these instruments can be used to detect pigments in microbiological samples of different types and origins under field conditions.

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Section: Advanced Raman Spectroscopic Techniques In Microbiologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Raman Spectroscopy of Microbial Pigments

Jehlička

Edwards

Oren

2014

Appl Environ Microbiol

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147

114

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“…The L-configuration of the Kaiser optical bench, with the CCD camera at right angles, is responsible for much of the added size/mass since this dictated the use of a heavy and complex pressure vessel to contain it. In principle significantly smaller designs are possible (Dickensheets et al, 2000;Wang et al, 2003), although their implementation as a deep-sea instrument will pose challenges.…”

Section: Remaining Technical Challengesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of Large-Scale Ocean Co2 Sequestration

Brewer¹,

Barry²

2004

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ABSTRACT:The past year has been one of continued high productivity and technical innovation for research conducted under support of this contract. We report here on the successful completion of development of a deep-ocean laser Raman spectrometer, and the use of this novel system for direct in situ measurement of the dissolution rate of CO 2 from a N 2 /CO 2 gas mixture at 300m ocean depth. We have carried out the deepest ever ocean CO 2 injection experiment at 3960m depth, and have observed the behavior of the plume of low pH/high CO 2 water emanating from this source. This was made possible by the design, construction, and operation of a novel flume to contain the liquid CO 2 and to force flow in a controlled manner over the liquid CO 2 surface. In carrying out this experiment we observed for the first time the extraordinarily rapid hydration kinetics of CO 2 with water at high pressure. This initial observation was later confirmed in a carefully controlled series of acid and CO 2 injection studies at varying depths. In carrying out this research we are aware of the environmental concerns, and we have been in the forefront of identifying the challenges resulting from the far greater quantities of CO 2 being passively absorbed from the atmosphere. This quantity now is approximately 1 million metric tons CO 2 per hour, and reasonable projections for the 21 st century project ocean pH changes of 0.3 or more by mid-century. The PIs have played a key role in organizing a major international meeting on this topic, and on reporting the results. We are now engaged in developing the novel techniques required to investigate this problem. INTRODUCTIONThe primary mechanism preventing very fast accumulation of CO 2 in the atmosphere is ocean absorption through the sea surface. This absorption, driven by the accumulated mean pCO 2 difference between air and sea, now proceeds at a rate of about 1 million metric tons CO 2 per hour. Thus ocean passive "disposal" of fossil fuel CO 2 is the primary greenhouse gas control technique used by all nations at all times, and the accumulated oceanic fossil fuel burden is now ≅ 500 billion tons CO 2 . In the few years that CO 2 is resident in the atmosphere it affects the planetary radiation balance and contributes to global warming. Thus some 25 years ago it was first suggested that direct injection of CO 2 into the deep ocean, thus bypassing the atmospheric disposal step with its attendant global warming, would be a useful greenhouse gas control technology. We have investigated this process in a series of studies carried out in part through the support of this award. These have involved creation of advanced experimental techniques for injection of CO 2 into the deep ocean, the measurement of the fate and behavior of the injected liquid, the formation and dissolution of a solid hydrate, and the environmental consequences of both direct and indirect CO 2 injection into the ocean. EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIn this report we detail research carried out in the period October 1, 2003 through Septemb...

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“…Near-IR (1064 nm) excitation is optimal for minimal interference by autofluorescence of cyanobacterial pigments, but typically requires an interferometer to analyse the spectra (Edwards & Newton 1999). A compromise with an 852 nm laser (giving some autofluorescence) permits miniaturization with a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector (Dickensheets et al 2000). The micro-objective can be used to magnify the target so that the laser beam illuminates a selected spot which can be as small as 5 mm diameter.…”

Section: Laser Raman Spectroscopymentioning

confidence: 99%

Astrobiological instrumentation for Mars – the only way is down

Ellery¹,

Kolb²,

Lämmer³

et al. 2002

International Journal of Astrobiology

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: In this paper, in this edition of the Journal commemorating the life and work of David Wynn-Williams, we consider approaches to the astrobiological investigation of Mars. We provide a brief account of the scientific rationale behind the approach presented here. In particular, we outline the capabilities of the Raman spectrometer for the detection of biomarkers. David Wynn-Williams was an active champion of this instrument who was keen to field-qualify a version in Antarctica with a view to flying a Raman instrument onboard a Mars-bound space mission. We examine a scenario for the deployment of such an instrument in conjunction with other instrumentation and argue that subsurface deployment of scientific instruments is essential if we are to succeed in detecting any evidence that may exist for former life on Mars. We outline a mission scenario -Vanguard -which represents a novel but low-risk, low-cost approach to Mars exploration that was conceived and developed jointly by one of the authors (Ellery) and the late David Wynn-Williams.

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A novel miniature confocal microscope/Raman spectrometer system for biomolecular analysis on future Mars missions after Antarctic trials

Cited by 115 publications

References 18 publications

Raman Spectroscopy of Microbial Pigments

Raman Spectroscopy of Microbial Pigments

Feasibility of Large-Scale Ocean Co2 Sequestration

Astrobiological instrumentation for Mars – the only way is down

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