Analysis of microbial lipids deposited on Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) by geomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry

Lipids are among the organic substances that can work as biosignatures, indicating life in an environment. We present an experimental investigation concerning analysis of lipids from a microbial source deposited on the Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) regolith by geomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ioni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of astrobiology 2021-06, Vol.20 (3), p.234-240
Main Authors: dos Santos, Alef, Rodrigues-Filho, Edson, Homem, Manoel Gustavo Petrucelli
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adducts
Amino acids
Chromatography
Desorption
Fatty acids
Investigations
Ionization
Lasers
Lipids
Mars
Mars soil
Mars surface
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
Microorganisms
Minerals
Regolith
Scientific imaging
Solar system
Space missions
Yeasts
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Summary:Lipids are among the organic substances that can work as biosignatures, indicating life in an environment. We present an experimental investigation concerning analysis of lipids from a microbial source deposited on the Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) regolith by geomatrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (GALDI-MS). Our results indicate that lipids from intact microbial cells of a black yeast strain can be detected in these mimetic samples of Martian soil. These lipid molecules are predominantly associated with the occurrence of adducts in the GALDI-MS spectra. The results can be helpful in the planning of future planetary missions.
ISSN:1473-5504
1475-3006
DOI:10.1017/S1473550421000100