Life Detection on Icy Moons Using Flow Cytometry and Intrinsically Fluorescent Biomolecules

Area of Science:

• Astrobiology
• Planetary Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Flow cytometry has been proposed as a life detection technology for icy moons.
• Previous work utilized exogenous fluorescent stains for detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate flow cytometry's capability in detecting life using intrinsically fluorescent biomolecules.
• To enhance life detection methods for icy moon missions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized flow cytometry to identify six classes of intrinsically fluorescent biomolecules: flavins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, tryptophan, NAD+, and NAD(P)H.
• Tested the method with known organisms and abiotic materials.
• Analyzed natural samples with unknown content to simulate icy moon conditions.

Main Results:

• Flow cytometry successfully distinguished known organisms from abiotic materials based on intrinsic fluorescence.
• All six targeted intrinsically fluorescent biomolecules were identified in natural samples.
• Biotic material was successfully separated from abiotic material using scatter plots.

Conclusions:

• Flow cytometry, using intrinsically fluorescent biomolecules, is a viable life detection method for icy moons.
• Combining intrinsic fluorescence with exogenous stains offers a more comprehensive approach to astrobiological sample analysis.
• This method increases the potential for discovering life beyond Earth.