A simple approach for the detection of Escherichia coli as a model bacterium on Martian soil simulants: A proof of concept study

Yongda Li; David Collins; Konstantinos Grintzalis

doi:10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106751

A simple approach for the detection of Escherichia coli as a model bacterium on Martian soil simulants: A proof of concept study

J Microbiol Methods. 2023 Jul:210:106751. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106751. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Authors

Yongda Li¹, David Collins¹, Konstantinos Grintzalis²

Affiliations

¹ School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Ireland.
² School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Ireland. Electronic address: konstantinos.gkrintzalis@dcu.ie.

PMID: 37271376
DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106751

Abstract

The possibility of microbial life beyond Earth presents a fundamental question in astrobiology. Given the likelihood that any extra-terrestrial life will be microbial in nature, the development of sensitive and specific confirmatory tests is crucial for the identification of potential habitats for life. Here, we describe a novel methodology for the detection of microorganisms in Martian soil simulants through spiking and recovery experiments. Our approach employs miniaturised techniques that enable the rapid and sensitive assessment of microbial presence in soil samples. The results of our study suggest that this methodology could be a valuable tool for the identification of potential habitats for microbial life on Mars and other extraterrestrial bodies.

Keywords: Astrobiology; Detection methods; Life biosignatures; Microbes; bacteria.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Bacteria
Escherichia coli
Extraterrestrial Environment*
Mars*
Proof of Concept Study
Soil

Substances

Soil