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Evaluation of detection and preservation of carotenoid biomarkers in Martian analogues using portable Raman spectrometer
Novotný, Radek ; Culka, Adam (advisor) ; Němec, Ivan (referee)
Recent missions of the space agencies NASA, ESA and Roskosmos have focused on searching for traces of life, among other things. They use a range of analytical instruments such as Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and GS-MS chromatography. They are looking for biological indicators (biomarkers) that could indicate the past but also the present activity of living organisms. In this thesis, it was proposed to observe changes in the concentration of a biomarker (the pigment betacarotene) in a substrate consisting of a mixture of sulphates. The conditions would be as close as possible to those on Mars. On the surface of this planet, due to the thinner atmosphere and the lack of an ozone layer, the UV component of UVC radiation, which has degradative effects on organic material, is much more strongly applied. Furthermore, perchlorate, a strong oxidising agent also found in Martian soil (regolith), was present in this substrate. Based on these parameters, samples were prepared that had an arrangement in three layers, two of which contained the biomarker beta-carotene and perchlorate. In order to better compare the changes during the experiment, two pigment concentrations of 10 ppm and 100 ppm were chosen. The samples thus prepared were irradiated in four-day and eight-day stages by a light source...
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