Searching for organic compounds in the Universe

• DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2014.09.009
• Publication Date: 2014-11-27T02:21:26Z
• Authors: Pauline Poinot; Claude Geffroy-Ro...
• Keywords: [CHIM.ORGA]Chemical Sciences/Organic chemistry; Organic compound; Lab-on-a-chip LC-MS; [CHIM.ORGA] Chemical Sciences/Organic chemistry; Derivatization; 01 natural sciences; Analytical instrumentation; Biochip; 13. Climate action; Space research; Exobiology; 0103 physical sciences; Microchip electrophoresis; Thermochemolysis; Pyrolysis

Abstract Searching for signs of past or present life in our Solar System is a major challenge for the space-research community. One approach involves searching for organics. However, it encompasses major challenges, such as their very low concentration levels, their ambiguous origins (biotic or abiotic) and their supposed diversity and complexity. Even if, during the past 40 years, tremendous improvements in sample treatment, stationary phase and mass spectrometry detection have been achieved, there is still a need for new in-situ scientific instrumentation. The objective of this article is to give a broad canvas of instrumentation and technology available to space-survey missions and those further out. It is also a critical review where we discuss analytical science questions, and the technology needed to address them.