Biosignature Analysis in Saline Environments Using the Microfluidic Organic Analyzers for Biosignatures (MOAB)

Brigham Young University Engineering Building, Provo, UT

This study examines amino acid stability in high-salinity environments to enhance biosignature detection technologies. Using both absorption spectroscopy and capillary electrophoreses (CE), we investigated the survivability of valine and serine in laboratory-created brines simulating those found on celestial bodies throughout the solar system. Our findings reveal a protective effect of brines on amino acids, with reduced degradation rates compared to control samples containing no salts. During the 12-day observation period, both polar and non-polar amino acids showed enhanced stability in high-salinity environments, though non-polar amino acids exhibited more pronounced benefits from this protective effect. Valine concentrations in saline conditions decreased by only 16.4% compared to 36.3% in control samples, while serine showed more modest improvements in preservation. Desalination protocols implemented for CE analysis proved effective but resulted in some amino acid loss that must be considered in future space missions. These results have significant implications for astrobiology research, suggesting that high-salinity environments such as the subsurface oceans of Enceladus and Europa may serve as excellent reservoirs for preserved biosignatures. The differential preservation rates between amino acid types also provide potential mechanisms for distinguishing between biotic and abiotic amino acid sources in extraterrestrial samples. Our work validates using the Microfluidic Organic Analyzer for Biosignatures (MOAB) for future space missions while highlighting the need for optimized desalination protocols to maximize detection sensitivity in briny environments.