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Use of a Novel Rover-mounted Fluorescence Imager and Fluorescent Probes to Detect Biological Material in the Atacama Desert in DaylightWe have developed an imaging system, the Fluorescence Imager (FI), for detecting fluorescence signals from sparse microorganisms and biofilms during autonomous rover exploration. The fluorescence signals arise both from naturally occurring chromophores, such as chlorophyll of cyanobacteria and lichens, and from fluorescent probes applied to soil and rocks. Daylight imaging has been accomplished by a novel use of a high-powered flashlamp synchronized to a CCD camera. The fluorescent probes are cell permanent stains that have extremely low intrinsic fluorescence (quantum yields less than 0.01) and a large fluorescence enhancement (quantum yields greater than 0.4) when bound to the target. Each probe specifically targets either carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids or membrane lipids, the four classes of macromolecules found in terrestrial life. The intent of the probes is to interrogate the environment for surface and endolithic life forms.
Document ID
20050180781
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Weinstein, S.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Pane, D.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Warren-Rhodes, K.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Cockell, C.
(British Antarctic Survey Cambridge, United Kingdom)
Ernst, L. A.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Minkley, E.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Fisher, G.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Emani, S.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Wettergreen, D. S.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Wagner, M.
(Carnegie-Mellon Univ. Pittsburgh, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 21
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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