Simulating microbial processes in extraterrestrial, aqueous environments

K Olsson-Francis; N K Ramkissoon; M C Macey; V K Pearson; S P Schwenzer; D N Johnson

doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105883

Simulating microbial processes in extraterrestrial, aqueous environments

J Microbiol Methods. 2020 May:172:105883. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105883. Epub 2020 Feb 29.

Authors

K Olsson-Francis¹, N K Ramkissoon², M C Macey², V K Pearson², S P Schwenzer², D N Johnson²

Affiliations

¹ STEM Faculty, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK. Electronic address: k.olsson-francis@open.ac.uk.
² STEM Faculty, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes MK7 6AA, UK.

PMID: 32119957
DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.105883

Abstract

Finding evidence of life elsewhere in the Solar System is dependent on understanding biotic processes that could occur within potentially habitable environments. Here, we describe a suite of high-pressure flow-through reactors that have been developed to investigate biotic and abiotic processes within simulated sub-surface martian and icy moon environments.

Keywords: Habitability; Icy moon; Mars; Simulation reactor; Sub-surface.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Exobiology
Extraterrestrial Environment*
Ice
Mars
Moon
Water*

Substances

Ice
Water