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Thlaijeh S, Lepot K, Carpentier Y, Riboulleau A, Duca D, Vojkovic M, Tewari A, Sarazin J, Bon M, Nuns N, Tribovillard N, Focsa C. Characterization of Sulfur-Rich Microbial Organic Matter in Jurassic Carbonates Using Laser-Assisted Mass Spectrometry. ASTROBIOLOGY 2024; 24:61-83. [PMID: 38109217 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2023.0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry (MS) shows great potential for in situ molecular analysis of planetary surfaces and microanalysis of space-returned samples or (micro)fossils. Coupled with pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) in ESA's ExoMars project, this technique could help assess further the origin of sulfur-bearing organic matter (OM) recently detected on Mars. To unravel this potential, we analyzed sulfurized microbial OM from ca. 150 million year-old carbonates with laser desorption-ionization mass spectrometry (single- and two-step: LDI-MS and L2MS), in comparison with time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and Py-GC-MS. We show that LDI-MS and L2MS readily detect sulfur-bearing moieties such as (alkyl)thiophenes and (alkyl)benzothiophenes. The mineral matrix, however, made the identification of sulfur-bearing molecules challenging in our L2MS experiment. The dominance of small aromatic hydrocarbons (≤14 carbons) in the LDI-MS and L2MS of the extracted soluble and insoluble OM and of the bulk rock is consistent with the low thermal maturity of the sediment and contrasts with the predominance of larger polycyclic aromatic structures commonly observed in meteorites with these techniques. We detected inorganic ions, in particular VO+, in demineralized OM that likely originate from geoporphyrins, which derive from chlorophylls during sediment diagenesis. Finally, insoluble OM yielded distinct compositions compared with extracted soluble OM, with a greater abundance of ions of mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) over 175 and additional N-moieties. This highlights the potential of laser-assisted MS to decipher the composition of macromolecular OM, in particular to investigate the preservation of biomacromolecules in microfossils. Studies comparing diverse biogenic and abiogenic OM are needed to further assess the use of this technique to search for biosignatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siveen Thlaijeh
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Kevin Lepot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Yvain Carpentier
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Armelle Riboulleau
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Dumitru Duca
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Marin Vojkovic
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anuradha Tewari
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Johan Sarazin
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, UMR 8207 - UMET - Unité Matériaux et Transformations, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Mathilde Bon
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
- Department of Geology (WE13), Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281/S8, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Nuns
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, INRAE, Centrale Lille, Univ. Artois, FR 2638 - IMEC - Institut Michel-Eugène Chevreul, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Tribovillard
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Univ. Littoral Côte d'Opale, IRD, UMR 8187 - LOG Laboratoire d'Océanologie et de Géosciences, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Cristian Focsa
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8523 - PhLAM - Physique des Lasers Atomes et Molécules, F-59000 Lille, France
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Pytskii IS, Kuznetsova ES, Buryak AK. Surface Imaging in Applied Research. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0036024422100260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The possibilities of mass spectrometric visualization in new areas of research are considered. It is shown that surface mass spectrometry can be used to study structural materials and monitor surfaces for corrosion damage, process contamination, and damage. The possibility of studying non-metallic materials is shown for the first time. It is found that studying the low molecular weight part of polymer films helps to detect technological impurities and irreversible deformation of the film surface. It is established this can be used to authenticate handwritten documents, make corrections to them, and successfully compete with the classical means of such research.
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Enya K, Yamagishi A, Kobayashi K, Yoshimura Y. Comparative study of methods for detecting extraterrestrial life in exploration mission of Mars and the solar system. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 34:53-67. [PMID: 35940690 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The detection and analysis of extraterrestrial life are important issues of space science. Mars is among the most important planets to explore for extraterrestrial life, owing both to its physical properties and to its ancient and present environments as revealed by previous exploration missions. In this paper, we present a comparative study of methods for detecting extraterrestrial life and life-related substances. To this end, we have classified and summarized the characteristics targeted for the detection of extraterrestrial life in solar system exploration mission and the methods used to evaluate them. A summary table is presented. We conclude that at this moment (i) there is no realistic single detection method capable of concluding the discovery of extraterrestrial life, (ii) no single method has an advantage over the others in all respects, and (iii) there is no single method capable of distinguishing extraterrestrial life from terrestrial life. Therefore, a combination of complementary methods is essential. We emphasize the importance of endeavoring to detect extraterrestrial life without overlooking possible alien life forms, even at the cost of tolerating false positives. Summaries of both the targets and the detection methods should be updated continuously, and comparative studies of both should be pursued. Although this study assumes Mars to be a model site for the primary environment for life searches, both the targets and detection methods described herein will also be useful for searching for extraterrestrial life in any celestial environment and for the initial inspection of returned samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keigo Enya
- Institute of Space & Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, 3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Chuou, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-5210, Japan.
| | - Akihiko Yamagishi
- School of Life Science, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Science, 1432-1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Kensei Kobayashi
- Department of Chemistry, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Yoshimura
- Department of Life Science, Tamagawa University, 6-1-1 Tamagawagakuen, Machida, Tokyo 194-8610, Japan
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The ORIGIN Space Instrument for Detecting Biosignatures and Habitability Indicators on a Venus Life Finder Mission. AEROSPACE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/aerospace9060312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent and past observations of chemical and physical peculiarities in the atmosphere of Venus have renewed speculations about the existence of life in its clouds. To find signs of Venusian life, a dedicated astrobiological space exploration mission is required, and for this reason the Venus Life Finder mission is currently being prepared. A Venus Life Finder mission will require dedicated and specialized instruments to hunt for biosignatures and habitability indicators. In this contribution, we present the ORIGIN space instrument, a laser desorption/laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer. This instrument is designed to detect large, non-volatile molecules, specifically biomolecules such as amino acids and lipids. At the same time, it can also be used in ablation mode for elemental composition analysis. Recent studies with this space prototype instrument of amino acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lipids, salts, metals, sulphur isotopes, and microbial elemental composition are discussed in the context of studies of biosignatures and habitability indicators in Venus’s atmosphere. The implementation of the ORIGIN instrument into a Venus Life Finder mission is discussed, emphasizing the low weight and low power consumption of the instrument. An instrument design and sample handling system are presented that make optimal use of the capabilities of this instrument. ORIGIN is a highly versatile instrument with proven capabilities to investigate and potentially resolve many of the outstanding questions about the atmosphere of Venus and the presence of life in its clouds.
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Lukmanov RA, Tulej M, Wiesendanger R, Riedo A, Grimaudo V, Ligterink NFW, de Koning C, Neubeck A, Wacey D, Wurz P. Multiwavelength Ablation/Ionization and Mass Spectrometric Analysis of 1.88 Ga Gunflint Chert. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:369-386. [PMID: 35196459 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The investigation of chemical composition on planetary bodies without significant sample processing is of importance for nearly every mission aimed at robotic exploration. Moreover, it is a necessary tool to achieve the longstanding goal of finding evidence of life beyond Earth, for example, possibly preserved microbial remains within martian sediments. Our Laser Ablation Ionization Mass Spectrometer (LIMS) is a compact time-of-flight mass spectrometer intended to investigate the elemental, isotope, and molecular composition of a wide range of solid samples, including e.g., low bulk density organic remains in microfossils. Here, we present an overview of the instrument and collected chemical spectrometric data at the micrometer level from a Precambrian chert sample (1.88 Ga Gunflint Formation, Ontario, Canada), which is considered to be a martian analogue. Data were collected from two distinct zones-a silicified host area and a carbon-bearing microfossil assemblage zone. We performed these measurements using an ultrafast pulsed laser system (pulse width of ∼180 fs) with multiple wavelengths (infrared [IR]-775 nm, ultraviolet [UV]-387 nm, UV-258 nm) and using a pulsed high voltage on the mass spectrometer to reveal small organic signals. We investigated (1) the chemical composition of the sample and (2) the different laser wavelengths' performance to provide chemical depth profiles in silicified media. Our key findings are as follows: (1) microfossils from the Gunflint chert reveal a distinct chemical composition compared with the host mineralogy (we report the identification of 24 elements in the microfossils); (2) detection of the pristine composition of microfossils and co-occurring fine chemistry (rare earth elements) requires utilization of the depth profiling measurement protocol; and (3) our results show that, for analysis of heterogeneous material from siliciclastic deposits, siliceous sinters, and cherts, the most suitable wavelength for laser ablation/Ionization is UV-258 nm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rustam A Lukmanov
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto Wiesendanger
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Niels F W Ligterink
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Coenraad de Koning
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Neubeck
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Wacey
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterization and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Peter Wurz
- Space Research & Planetary Sciences (WP), Physics Institute, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Lukmanov RA, Riedo A, Wacey D, Ligterink NFW, Grimaudo V, Tulej M, de Koning C, Neubeck A, Wurz P. On Topological Analysis of fs-LIMS Data. Implications for in Situ Planetary Mass Spectrometry. Front Artif Intell 2021; 4:668163. [PMID: 34497998 PMCID: PMC8419467 DOI: 10.3389/frai.2021.668163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this contribution, we present results of non-linear dimensionality reduction and classification of the fs laser ablation ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) imaging dataset acquired from the Precambrian Gunflint chert (1.88 Ga) using a miniature time-of-flight mass spectrometer developed for in situ space applications. We discuss the data generation, processing, and analysis pipeline for the classification of the recorded fs-LIMS mass spectra. Further, we define topological biosignatures identified for Precambrian Gunflint microfossils by projecting the recorded fs-LIMS intensity space into low dimensions. Two distinct subtypes of microfossil-related spectra, a layer of organic contamination and inorganic quartz matrix were identified using the fs-LIMS data. The topological analysis applied to the fs-LIMS data allows to gain additional knowledge from large datasets, formulate hypotheses and quickly generate insights from spectral data. Our contribution illustrates the utility of applying spatially resolved mass spectrometry in combination with topology-based analytics in detecting signatures of early (primitive) life. Our results indicate that fs-LIMS, in combination with topological methods, provides a powerful analytical framework and could be applied to the study of other complex mineralogical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rustam A Lukmanov
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Riedo
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - David Wacey
- Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Niels F W Ligterink
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Grimaudo
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marek Tulej
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Coenraad de Koning
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Neubeck
- Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Wurz
- Space Research and Planetary Sciences (WP), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Kulkarni AS, Huang L, Qian K. Material-assisted mass spectrometric analysis of low molecular weight compounds for biomedical applications. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:3622-3639. [PMID: 33871513 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb00289a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Low molecular weight compounds play an important role in encoding the current physiological state of an individual. Laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS) offers high sensitivity with low cost for molecular detection, but it is not able to cover small molecules due to the drawbacks of the conventional matrix. Advanced materials are better alternatives, showing little background interference and high LDI efficiency. Herein, we first classify the current materials with a summary of compositions and structures. Matrix preparation protocols are then reviewed, to enhance the selectivity and reproducibility of MS data better. Finally, we highlight the biomedical applications of material-assisted LDI MS, at the tissue, bio-fluid, and cellular levels. We foresee that the advanced materials will bring far-reaching implications in LDI MS towards real-case applications, especially in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuja Shreeram Kulkarni
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China and School of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Medical Robotics and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China.
| | - Lin Huang
- Stem Cell Research Center, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Qian
- State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Division of Cardiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127, P. R. China and School of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Medical Robotics and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, P. R. China.
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YOSHIMURA Y, ENYA K, KOBAYASHI K, SASAKI S, YAMAGISHI A. Life Explorations for Biosignatures in Space. BUNSEKI KAGAKU 2021. [DOI: 10.2116/bunsekikagaku.70.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka YOSHIMURA
- Department of Advanced Food Sciences, College of Agriculture, Tamagawa University
| | - Keigo ENYA
- Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
| | - Kensei KOBAYASHI
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Yokohama National University
| | - Satoshi SASAKI
- School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology
| | - Akihiko YAMAGISHI
- Department of Applied Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
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Current Progress in Femtosecond Laser Ablation/Ionisation Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11062562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The last decade witnessed considerable progress in the development of laser ablation/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LI-TOFMS). The improvement of both the laser ablation ion sources employing femtosecond lasers and the method of ion coupling with the mass analyser led to highly sensitive element and isotope measurements, minimisation of matrix effects, and reduction of various fractionation effects. This improvement of instrumental performance can be attributed to the progress in laser technology and accompanying commercialisation of fs-laser systems, as well as the availability of fast electronics and data acquisition systems. Application of femtosecond laser radiation to ablate the sample causes negligible thermal effects, which in turn allows for improved resolution of chemical surface imaging and depth profiling. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor ns-LIMS, fs-LIMS, which employs fs-laser ablation ion sources, has been developed in the last two decades as an important method of chemical analysis and will continue to improve its performance in subsequent decades. This review discusses the background of fs-laser ablation, overviews the most relevant instrumentation and emphasises their performance figures, and summarizes the studies on several applications, including geochemical, semiconductor, and bio-relevant materials. Improving the chemical analysis is expected by the implementation of laser pulse sequences or pulse shaping methods and shorter laser wavelengths providing current progress in mass resolution achieved in fs-LIMS. In parallel, advancing the methods of data analysis has the potential of making this technique very attractive for 3D chemical analysis with micrometre lateral and sub-micrometre vertical resolution.
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