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Abstract EANA2024-180


From Oceans to Icy Moons: Utilizing Advanced Imaging Flow Cytometry for Life and Chemical Biosignature Detection

Anirban Jana (1), Sathesh Raj V Periasamey (1), Gayantonia Franze (2), Terje Berge (2), Olga Mangoni (1), Francesco Bolinesi (1), Paola Manini (1)
(1) University of Naples Federico II, Italy, (2) Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Flødevigen Research Station, Norway


The search for life beyond Earth is a central focus of astrobiology, particularly on icy moons such as Europa and Enceladus, where subsurface oceans and transient water plumes offer promising environments for microbial life. This study explores the potential of advanced imaging flow cytometry, traditionally used in marine ecology, for astrobiological research.

We present novel insights from an ecological study conducted in the North Sea, where imaging flow cytometry(FlowCam) was employed to analyze the community structure of zooplankton under varying environmental conditions. The North Sea can potentially serve as a terrestrial analog for the dynamic aquatic environments expected on icy moons, offering a unique opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of imaging flow cytometry in detecting and characterizing diverse biological communities in situ.

Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness of imaging flow cytometry in rapidly identifying and categorizing a wide range of aquatic organisms, highlighting its potential application for future space missions. More importantly, we explore the broader capabilities of this technology in detecting biomolecules and chemical signatures indicative of life. The ability to analyze particulate organic matter and detect potential biosignatures such as specific lipids, pigments, and other complex organic molecules positions imaging flow cytometry as a versatile tool in the astrobiological toolkit.

We discuss the necessary adaptations for advanced imaging flow cytometry instruments such as Amnis ImageStreamX Mark II or FlowSight to operate under the extreme conditions of space, such as miniaturization, automation, and resilience to radiation and low temperatures. Furthermore, the instrument's potential to complement existing astrobiological tools by providing rapid, non-invasive screening of liquid samples, aiding in the detection of potential biomarkers and chemical signatures of life are examined.

By leveraging insights from the North Sea study and considering the application of imaging flow cytometry to ocean worlds and icy moons, we propose that this technology could significantly advance future missions. It has the potential to enhance our capability to detect life or life-like processes in extraterrestrial aquatic environments by providing both biological and chemical biosignature detection.