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    STUDIA BIOLOGIA - Issue no. 1 / 2019  
         
  Article:   RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY TO DETECT BIOMARKERS OF HALOPHILES IN SALTS OF EVAPORITES: FROM NATURAL COLONISATIONS TO SYNTHETIC INCLUSIONS.

Authors:  JAN JEHLIČKA, ADAM CULKA, AHARON OREN. 		 
       
         
  Abstract:  Suitable biomarkers present in halophiles include photosynthetic pigments, UV- and visible light absorbing compounds, compatible solutes and specific lipids. Raman spectroscopy is an excellent tool for detection of microbial pigments (Jehlička et al., 2013). Developing methods of trace analysis of biomarkers in minerals using Raman microspectrometry is of crucial importance for understanding their conservation and transformation during the time. Terrestrial field detection of biomarkers using miniature Raman spectrometers in Mars-analogue sites on Earth can be seen as a training for next Martian astrobiological missions. In fact both the European Space Agency (Exomars) and the North American Space Agency (Mars 2020) robotic rovers will include Raman spectrometers. Sedimentary evaporitic series in the actual geological record are remnants of ancient hypersaline environments. Those systems are formed by minerals from the groups of chlorides, sulfates or borates. Residues of biomass of halophiles and biomarkers such as carotenoids can be detected and discriminated using Raman spectrometry. Examples of different approaches are given here: a) investigations of individual inclusions using Raman microscopic tools and b) simultaneous detection of minerals and biomarkers using portable Raman spectrometers. Biomarkers of halophiles in their natural environments as well as those of halophiles incorporated in synthetic crystals of salts are investigated.

Keywords: crystalline salts, halophiles, inclusions, Raman spectroscopy 		 
         
     
         
         
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