Life Marker Chip Sample Processing Equipment
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Earth Science and Engineering
Abstract
The extraction of organic molecules from samples on Mars and their subsequent delivery to an instrument capable of characterizing their chemistry represents a substantial analytical challenge. Difficulties arise because of the various chemical properties of the target molecules. Biological molecules are predominantly polar and dissolve readily in aqueous solutions whereas fossil organic molecules are non polar and dissolve in organic solvents; abiotic molecules can contain both types. The organic molecules may reside in a number of lithologies each of which can selectively retain certain analytes. These matrix effects represent potential barriers for effective extraction procedures. Our research and approach is to assess further options for improving sample extraction and analyte concentration, with application to several rock types.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Mark Sephton (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Court R
(2012)
Extraction of polar and nonpolar biomarkers from the martian soil using aqueous surfactant solutions
in Planetary and Space Science
Court R
(2012)
Insights into the nature of cometary organic matter from terrestrial analogues
in International Journal of Astrobiology
Court R
(2012)
Extraction of polar and nonpolar biomarkers from the martian soil using aqueous surfactant solutions
in Planetary and Space Science
Court R
(2012)
Insights into the nature of cometary organic matter from terrestrial analogues
in International Journal of Astrobiology
Court RW
(2014)
Searching for life on Mars: degradation of surfactant solutions used in organic extraction experiments.
in Astrobiology
Court RW
(2014)
Searching for life on Mars: degradation of surfactant solutions used in organic extraction experiments.
in Astrobiology
Luong D
(2014)
Extracting organic matter on Mars: A comparison of methods involving subcritical water, surfactant solutions and organic solvents
in Planetary and Space Science
Luong D
(2014)
Extracting organic matter on Mars: A comparison of methods involving subcritical water, surfactant solutions and organic solvents
in Planetary and Space Science
Sephton M
(2013)
Searching for biomolecules on Mars: Considerations for operation of a life marker chip instrument
in Planetary and Space Science
Sephton M
(2015)
The chances of detecting life on Mars
in Planetary and Space Science
Sephton M
(2013)
Searching for biomolecules on Mars: Considerations for operation of a life marker chip instrument
in Planetary and Space Science
Sephton M
(2015)
The chances of detecting life on Mars
in Planetary and Space Science
Description | Extraction protocols for organic molecules using aqueous solvents Detection capabilities for Mars life detection instruments Understanding of organic matter preservation and extraction in extreme settings |
Exploitation Route | Work is published and accessible to others |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Chemicals Energy |
Description | Organic compounds are at the centre of the energy industry and our improved methods for extraction, manipulation and detection are being examined by the oil industry. |
First Year Of Impact | 2006 |
Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Chemicals,Energy |
Impact Types | Economic |