Developing A Miniaturized Biology Assay for the Astrobiology Search Kit

Partnering with Retego Labs we will develop an acetate assay to use in the Astrobiology Search Kit advanced spectrometer. Our current knowledge of metabolic pathways (methanogeneis, and acetogenesis) both produce acetate. There is no known method of producing acetate abiotically, therefore the detection of acetate indicates the presence of biology. There is no current assays to directly detect acetate. We would be developing the first assay. Our development plan is based on the development of previous assays. We start with EPA standards then modify and increase the sensitivity based on our detection needs. In this case the detection is 10^2 cells/ml equivalent. This assay would be useful on Titan where if life exists the biogeochemistry is methane based instead of water based like Earth (possibly Mars, Europa).