Prebiotic chemistry within a broader concept of planetary exploration

The main objective of the proposed project is to understand the role played by mineral surfaces in the formation of complex chemical entities related to prebiotic chemistry (origin of life), as well as the identification and spectroscopic characterization of molecular fingerprints preserved in the substrate, and their detection by using modern analytical systems that can be implemented in future space missions. To achieve this objective, it is mandatory to 1) Implement an existing state-of-the-art facility with a molecular dosing device and 2) Coordinate the scientific activities of the laboratory with potential national/European groups. Furthermore, the candidate is also expected to be leading national or European projects and a network structure that improves the competitivity in the field.

 

• Secondary objectives:

 

The project will address the following sub-objectives:

 

a) Prebiotic chemistry within a broader concept of planetary exploration: Study the role played by different mineral surfaces, prebiotic and martian origin, in the development of complex organic systems. Surfaces such as montmorillonite, present in both martian and earth environments, could have played a protecting and catalytic role in prebiotic environments. In addition, minerals (iron oxides, sulfurs, etc.) could have served as catalytic centres in similar processes. The results could help to distinguish the key ingredients in the development of complex evolutive systems.

 

b) Origin and evolution of biopolymers; Polymerization process that led to primitive oligonucleotides, the precursors of the first RNA strings. It will be studied the selective processes that led to the first sequence of polynucleotides. The candidate aims to discern and detect, using empirical tools, the first evolutive evidence of such important step in evolution, the formation of biopolymeric moieties precursor of RNA.

 

c) Characterization and identification of spectroscopical molecular fingerprints preserved in the mineral substrate. By using a wide array of spectroscopy surface techniques (XPS, Raman and FT-IR), the samples (biomolecule/mineral) exposed to different planetary environmental conditions (Mars, Space, Europa, etc.), will be then characterized.

 

d) It will be implemented the synthesis “on demand” of mesoporous silicas and metallic nanoparticles for the detection of CO2, N2 and CH4, compounds on gas phase of prebiotic and out-space (planetary) interest. Their well-ordered deposition over metallic wafer will produce highly modulable and lighter nanodevices (nanosensors) suitable to be implemented in future space missions.

 

e) Planetary atmospheres. Accurate simulation of atmospheres and physico-chemical processes occurred in a prebiotic context, both earth and extra-terrestrial, will provide the candidate with the tools and experience that might lead into the design of future devices with potential application in planetary missions; indeed, certain questions raised about the origin of the first complex molecules will be attempted from novel interdisciplinary approach.

 

Therefore, the five sub-objectives are extremely interconnected between them: the study of the interaction, synthesis, and preservation of molecules in minerals clusters, from prebiotic context. A context that will be likely extrapolated not only in earth-like conditions, but on other planets environments of the solar system (planetary exploration) and space conditions.