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ISSO Y2005 Annual Report | Contents Martian Soil Biosensors Based on Dielectric Spectroscopy
• 33-38 Abstract--The goal is to investigate novel biosensing techniques, including dielectric spectroscopy and nonlinear harmonic response, which could ultimately be employed to develop instruments capable of detecting live organisms in samples from the outer terrestrial bodies of the solar system. Our previous results suggested that variable temperature dielectric spectroscopy can distinguish live organisms from nonliving complex macromolecules and may be suitable for in situ astrobiology studies on the surface of Mars or, eventually, in the liquid ocean beneath the ice of Europa. More recently, we have measured the frequency- and amplitude-dependent nonlinear harmonic responses of live cells, mitochondria, and chloroplasts, coupled with activator and inhibitor studies. Results provide compelling evidence that physiologically relevant processes in active macromolecular enzyme complexes are responsible for observed induced harmonics, thus providing additional signatures of live organisms. |
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