Martian Soil Biosensors Based on Dielectric Spectroscopy / 67-72
John H. Miller, Jr., Jaroslaw Wosik, David S. McKay, Jeffrey A. Jones, David Warmflash
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Abstract--UH researchers explore new biosensing techniques, including dielectric spectroscopy and nonlinear harmonic response, which could ultimately be employed to develop instruments to test for the presence of living organisms in samples from outer terrestrial bodies. Our results suggest that dielectric spectroscopy at variable temperatures can distinguish live organisms from non-living complex macromolecules and may eventually be suitable for in situ astrobiology studies on the surface of Mars or, eventually, in the liquid ocean beneath the ice of Europa. Finally, we have recently discovered resonant-like behavior in the frequency-dependent harmonic responses of live cells. Preliminary evidence suggests that this behavior may result from active molecular motor complexes unique to live organisms.