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Biotechnology for solar system exploration: Applications of life detection technology on Earth and in space

  • Andrew Steele
  • , Jake Maule
  • , Jan Toporski
  • , Victor Parro Garcia
  • , Carlos Briones
  • , Mary Schweitzer
  • , David Mckay
  • , Lindy McLandress
  • , Duane Pierson
  • , Mark Ott
  • , Seth Pincus
  • , Juan Perez Mercader
  • , Carl Allen
  • , Recep Avci
  • , Judd Hedgecock
  • , Rachel Roberston
  • , Everett Gibson
  • , John Lyndsay
  • , Huw Rowlands
  • , Frances Westall
  • David Wynn-Williams, Iwona Beech

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaper

Abstract

With the advent of a new era of astrobiology missions to search our
solar system for evidence of life we would like to again present a new
approach to this goal. We have reviewed the current list of Biotechnology
techniques, which are applicable to miniaturization and integration into
a combined flight platform. Among the techniques reviewed are:
The uses of antibodies
Fluorescent detection strategies
Protein and DNA chip technology
Surface plasmon resonance and its relation to other techniques
Microelectronic machining (where applicable)
Nanotechnology (where applicable)
Laboratory on a chip technology (including PCR)
Mass spectrometry
Fluid handling and extraction technologies
Chemical force microscopy (CFM)
Raman spectroscopy
Nanotechnology (i.e. molecular motors).

We have begun to integrate this knowledge into a single flight instrument
approach for the sole purpose of combining several mutually confirming
tests for life, organic}microbial contamination, prebiotic and abiotic
organic chemicals.

We will present several innovative designs for new instrumentation
including pro-engineering design drawings of a protein chip reader for
space flight and fluid handling strategies. We will also review the use of
suitable extraction methodologies for use on different solar system
bodies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages109-110
Number of pages2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Oct 2002

Keywords

  • Life detection
  • Space exploration
  • Astrobiology

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