This paper examines the role of biogenic metal nanoparticles (MNPs) in astrobiology, specifically for detecting life on Mars and other planets. The idea is to synthesize MNPs using eco-friendly biological methods. These methods can involve many types of living organisms or their products. The paper suggests that if using extraterrestrial samples allows for the formation of MNPs, these will be suggestive of life (previous or current), making the MNPs formation a potential biosignature.
Various MNPs, their methods of synthesis, and their applications are analyzed, focusing on microbial detection. Primarily because if any life can potentially exist or have existed in locations like Mars, it will be or have been microbial. Therefore, we can screen extraterrestrial samples for signs of life using the same process as biogenically synthesized nanoparticles. This technique could enhance the search for life on Mars by identifying potential biosignatures in the nanoparticles produced in response to organic materials.
The paper highlights the promising use of the biogenic production process of MNPs to analyze extraterrestrial samples and calls for more research to understand their synthesis and functionality, as well as any limitations of this screening method. Furthermore, this study suggests integrating this method into future Mars mission designs as a simple and cost-effective preliminary screening step.
Simões, M. F., Ottoni, C. A., & Antunes, A. (2020). Biogenic metal nanoparticles: A new approach to detect life on mars?. Life, 10(3), 28, doi: 10.3390/life10030028.
