In-situ detection of microbial life through respiratory electron analysis

Gregory A. Konesky

doi:10.1117/12.502802

10 February 2004 In-situ detection of microbial life through respiratory electron analysis

Gregory A. Konesky

Proceedings Volume 5163, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology VII; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.502802
Event: Optical Science and Technology, SPIE's 48th Annual Meeting, 2003, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Microbial biofuel cells generate electrical power through the collection of respiratory electrons, which are liberated by the metabolism of nutrients by microorganisms. In the context of in-situ detection of extraterrestrial life, the following question is raised: if microorganisms can be used to generate electrical power, under what circumstances can the generation of electrical power be used to indicate the presence of microbial life? Such an approach to the detection of microorganisms is susceptible to the same ambiguities as similar approaches in that local geochemistry may produce a signal that mimics the presence of life. Consideration is given to time -resolved signal observation to the discrimination of biochemistry and geochemistry and how this approach may be combined with alternate approaches to build a case for, or against, the presence of life. Construction and operation details of microbial biofuel cells, based on marine sediments, are discussed, as are considerations for space flight hardware.

Citation Download Citation

Gregory A. Konesky "In-situ detection of microbial life through respiratory electron analysis", Proc. SPIE 5163, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology VII, (10 February 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.502802

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available