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A field-based cleaning protocol for sampling devices used in life-detection studies.

Jennifer Eigenbrode1, Liane G Benning, Jake Maule

  • 1Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Washington, DC, USA. Jennifer.Eigenbrode@nasa.gov

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Summary

A new seven-step decontamination method effectively removes organic molecules from sampling devices in the field. This ensures accurate results for life detection instruments in remote planetary analog environments.

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Area of Science:

  • Astrobiology
  • Planetary Science
  • Analytical Chemistry

Background:

  • Life detection instruments require highly sensitive molecular detection.
  • Contamination from biological and organic materials can compromise results.
  • Field decontamination is crucial for remote planetary analog investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a field-deployable decontamination protocol for sampling devices.
  • To ensure organic molecules are removed to levels suitable for life-detection instruments.
  • To address challenges in decontamination at remote Arctic Mars-analog sites.

Main Methods:

  • A seven-step, multi-reagent decontamination protocol was applied to sampling devices.
  • In situ lipopolysaccharide detection using low-level endotoxin assays was performed.
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for molecular detection.

Main Results:

  • The decontamination protocol was tested on a coring device for glacial ice and a rover scoop for sediments.
  • Effectiveness was validated at Arctic Mars-analog sites in Svalbard, Norway.
  • The protocol sufficiently removed and detected low levels of molecular constituents.

Conclusions:

  • The presented method provides effective organic decontamination for field sampling devices.
  • This protocol supports reliable life-detection measurements in extraterrestrial analog environments.
  • The approach is suitable for ensuring data integrity in astrobiological field studies.