Article
Spectroscopy
Katerina Nemeckova, Adam Culka, Jan Jehlicka
Summary: Microbial colonisations of gypsum from different sites from Southern Sicily and Eastern Poland were investigated using laboratory-based Raman microspectrometers and portable Raman spectrometric devices. Common microbial pigments were detected in majority of the samples and Raman microspectrometric investigations of colonisations allow to gather detailed information about pigment distribution in micrometric zones of gypsum samples. Portable instrumentation permits also detection of carotenoids and discussed the shifts of positions of Raman features of carotenoids between gypsum samples.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jamseel Moopantakath, Madangchanok Imchen, Ranjith Kumavath, Rosa Maria Martinez-Espinosa
Summary: This study compared halophiles in global open sea and coastal biosystems through shotgun metagenomes, finding that Prochlorococcus and Candidatus pelagibacter were enriched in the open sea, while Marinobacter and Alcanivorax dominated coastal biosystems. Haloarcula and Haloquandratum archaea were significantly enriched in coastal biosystems. The study also confirmed the viability and carotenoid pigment production by Haloferax isolates from sediments, which showed multidrug resistance and suitability for bioprospection in coastal biosystems.
Article
Spectroscopy
Katerina Nemeckova, Adam Culka, Ivan Nemec, Howell G. M. Edwards, Jan Mares, Jan Jehlicka
Summary: Rock-dwelling microorganisms synthesize specialized UV-protective pigments to cope with intense UV-radiation. Raman microspectrometry was used to analyze noncarotenoid UV-protective pigments in dark-pigmented endolithic colonization from gypsum outcrops in Sicily, Poland, and Israel. Two specific pigments, scytonemin and gloeocapsin, were identified as biomarkers for certain taxa of cyanobacteria. The study demonstrates the potential of Raman spectroscopy in providing fast and noninvasive methods for characterizing endolithic consortia in their natural habitats.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Adam Culka, Jan Jehlicka, Aharon Oren, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele
Summary: In this study, a fast outdoor screening and discrimination of different carotenoid pigments using miniaturized Raman spectrometers were carried out. Different excitations were used to acquire Raman spectra, and the feasibility of individual wavelengths was examined. The results showed that the 532 nm excitation consistently provided the best results, while the 785 nm excitation was the least suitable. The study has implications for the search and discrimination of biomarkers, such as carotenoids, in the field of astrobiology.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Alessia Cassaro, Claudia Pacelli, Mickael Baque, Jean-Pierre Paul de Vera, Ute Boettger, Lorenzo Botta, Raffaele Saladino, Elke Rabbow, Silvano Onofri
Summary: The second ExoMars mission aims to search for traces of extant or extinct life on Mars, using instruments on board the rover to gather potential biomarker samples, offering the best chance to detect preserved biomarkers.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Aschalew Kassu
Summary: This study uses Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics analysis to monitor gypsum's hydration and dehydration process. The results demonstrate the capability of the Raman spectroscopy, the chemometric techniques used, and the analysis of variances for distinguishing and monitoring gypsum's hydration and dehydration process.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Jan Jehlicka, Howell G. M. Edwards, Aharon Oren
Summary: This review discusses the application of Raman spectroscopy in studying violet and brown pigments produced by microorganisms. Raman spectroscopy is a widely appreciated analytical tool in the field of microbiology and chemistry, and its recent developments have opened up new possibilities for studying microbial colonization in natural geobiological systems.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Laura Fornasini, Simona Raneri, Stefano Legnaioli, Vincenzo Palleschi, Antonella Casoli, Silvia Simeti, Danilo Bersani
Summary: The church of San Francesco del Prato in Parma, Italy, is a Gothic masterpiece from the 13th century. It was not appreciated for its historical and monumental value due to its transformation into a jail. Recent restoration works revealed valuable frescoes and wall paintings from different periods.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
M. Paz Saez-Perez, Jorge A. Duran-Suarez, Amparo Verdu-Vazquez, Tomas Gil-Lopez
Summary: The research evaluated the color behavior of gypsum-based pastes with added pigments, confirming their mechanical strength for on-site use but significant color variations after 28 and 90 days, including increases in luminosity exceeding 100% and saturation losses of over 100%.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayra Alejandra Lopez-Ortega, Norberto Chavarria-Hernandez, Ma del Rocio Lopez-Cuellar, Adriana Ines Rodriguez-Hernandez
Summary: Extremophiles are organisms that survive and thrive in adverse environments, categorized based on the ecosystems they inhabit. They employ chemical adaptation strategies like biosynthesis of polysaccharides to withstand environmental stress, showcasing unique properties with various potential applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Luis Oliva-Teles, Raquel Pinto, Rui Vilarinho, Antonio Paulo Carvalho, J. Agostinho Moreira, Laura Guimaraes
Summary: The quality of freshwater has been changing due to increased water resource usage and contamination from human activities. Traditional methods of managing these systems are time-consuming, expensive, and require specialized expertise. In this study, a diagnostic method based on Raman spectroscopy was developed for freshwater diatoms, which accurately diagnosed lakes without requiring taxonomic information about the diatoms. This research provides a foundation for future environmental studies on freshwater systems.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sunanda Sharma, Ryan D. Roppel, Ashley E. Murphy, Luther W. Beegle, Rohit Bhartia, Andrew Steele, Joseph Razzell Hollis, Sandra Siljestrom, Francis M. McCubbin, Sanford A. Asher, William J. Abbey, Abigail C. Allwood, Eve L. Berger, Benjamin L. Bleefeld, Aaron S. Burton, Sergei V. Bykov, Emily L. Cardarelli, Pamela G. Conrad, Andrea Corpolongo, Andrew D. Czaja, Lauren P. DeFlores, Kenneth Edgett, Kenneth A. Farley, Teresa Fornaro, Allison C. Fox, Marc D. Fries, David Harker, Keyron Hickman-Lewis, Joshua Huggett, Samara Imbeah, Ryan S. Jakubek, Linda C. Kah, Carina Lee, Yang Liu, Angela Magee, Michelle Minitti, Kelsey R. Moore, Alyssa Pascuzzo, Carolina Rodriguez Sanchez-Vahamonde, Eva L. Scheller, Svetlana Shkolyar, Kathryn M. Stack, Kim Steadman, Michael Tuite, Kyle Uckert, Alyssa Werynski, Roger C. Wiens, Amy J. Williams, Katherine Winchell, Megan R. Kennedy, Anastasia Yanchilina
Summary: Our findings on Mars suggest the presence of diverse aromatic organic molecules within the Maaz and Seitah formations in Jezero crater, indicating different fates of carbon across environments. These organic molecules, largely associated with minerals linked to aqueous processes, persist despite exposure to surface conditions, suggesting the key role of water processes in organic synthesis, transport, or preservation.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhongchen Wu, Zongcheng Ling, Jiang Zhang, Xiaohui Fu, Changqing Liu, Yanqing Xin, Bo Li, Le Qiao
Summary: Laboratory simulation is essential for studying Martian environmental conditions and mineral features, linking the laboratory with Mars exploration. The Mars environment chamber (MEC) at Shandong University in China is equipped with multiple in situ spectral sensors to simulate and collect data on Martian environmental parameters. This platform provides a solid foundation for future analysis and interpretation of real Martian spectral data, contributing to China's Mars mission preparations.
Article
Biology
Doaa Fayez, Asmaa Youssif, Soraya Sabry, Hanan Ghozlan, Marwa Eltarahony
Summary: This study isolated and purified halophilic carotenoid-producing bacteria from Wadi El-Natrun salt lakes, achieving maximum productivity through optimized conditions. The carotenoids showed broad bioactivity and antimicrobial abilities, indicating potential medical and industrial applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minoru Kawatani, Spencer J. Spratt, Hiroyoshi Fujioka, Jingwen Shou, Yoshihiro Misawa, Ryosuke Kojima, Yasuteru Urano, Yasuyuki Ozeki, Mako Kamiya
Summary: A photoactivatable Raman probe, 9-cyano-10-telluriumpyronin (9CN-TeP), was developed, which shows enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) intensity through photooxidation of the tellurium atom. By modifying the oxidation product to increase stability, a julolidine-like derivative, 9CN-diMeJTeP, was obtained with stronger SRS intensity and a bathochromic shift of the absorption spectrum.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Claudio Finocchiaro, Alessia Coccato, Germana Barone, Danilo Bersani, Adam Culka, Laura Fornasini, Paolo Mazzoleni, Jan Jehlicka, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele
Summary: Zeolites are found in various volcanic rock outcrops in Sicily, Italy, with different ages. A study using Raman spectroscopy on zeolites from different areas in Eastern Sicily revealed the possibility of accurate identification using portable Raman instruments both on site and in the laboratory.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Magdalena Peresta, Petr Drahota, Adam Culka, Tomas Matousek, Martin Mihaljevic
Summary: This study investigated the effect of organic materials on arsenic sulfidation using an in situ experimental technique. It was found that under strongly reducing conditions, organic materials promoted the formation of AsS minerals, effectively sequestering arsenic.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Eva Vermeersch, Possum Pince, Jan Jehlicka, Adam Culka, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele
Summary: Micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to analyze pre-Islamic ceramics from the Kur River Basin in Iran, focusing on the identification and differentiation of pigments and manganese oxides. The study successfully identified haematite and manganese oxides as the main compounds used for decoration in the ceramics, with carbon black identified as a probable pigment for black decoration in Bakun ware.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Filip Kosek, Adam Culka, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele, Jan Jehlicka
Summary: Hydrated aluminum-rich sulfates are less common secondary minerals on Mars and their study in high-temperature environments is important for planetology and exobiology research. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful tool for distinguishing sulfates and tracking their hydration states. Field investigations and laboratory analysis revealed mixtures of anhydrous and hydrated sulfates, along with intermediate phases, and confirmed that the hydration degree of sulfates increases with decreasing temperature.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Adam Culka, Jan Jehlicka, Aharon Oren, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele
Summary: In this study, a fast outdoor screening and discrimination of different carotenoid pigments using miniaturized Raman spectrometers were carried out. Different excitations were used to acquire Raman spectra, and the feasibility of individual wavelengths was examined. The results showed that the 532 nm excitation consistently provided the best results, while the 785 nm excitation was the least suitable. The study has implications for the search and discrimination of biomarkers, such as carotenoids, in the field of astrobiology.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Petr Drahota, Vojtech Ettler, Adam Culka, Jan Rohovec, Radim Jedlicka
Summary: This study investigates the oxidation process of arsenopyrite and lo??llingite minerals under high relative humidity conditions. The results show that relative humidity significantly affects the formation of secondary minerals. The oxidation rates of different concentrates also vary under high humidity conditions. The presence of sulfate ions plays a crucial role in the oxidation process.
Article
Archaeology
Christopher J. Brooke, Howell G. M. Edwards, Filip Kosek, Jan Jehlicka, Caroline Stanford, Matthew J. Champion
Summary: Coade stone has been a significant material in architecture and design since the 18th century. This paper presents a new spectroscopic analysis of Coade stone and a newly discovered sample from Oxnead Hall, revealing that the two variants can be differentiated by the raw materials and production processes.
Article
Spectroscopy
Filip Kosek, Ivan Nemec, Jan Jehlicka
Summary: Pabellon de Pica, Tarapaca, Chile, is a former guano mine where unique Cu-bearing minerals have been formed as a result of supergene processes. The Raman spectroscopic investigation of these minerals revealed specific characteristic vibrations and substantial proliferation and shifting of numerous bands. These findings provide valuable structural and spectroscopic data for further understanding of these minerals.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Adam Culka, Jan Jehlicka, Stanislav Oplustil
Summary: This study investigates the estimation of carbonification degree of coals using Raman microspectroscopy. The analysis is performed on maceral grains and the miniaturized Raman spectrometers offer fast analysis and in situ analysis capabilities. The study shows that portable Raman spectrometers with appropriate excitation can discriminate different types of carbonaceous matter.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Jan Jehlicka, Adam Culka, Katerina Nemeckova, Jan Mares
Summary: In this study, Raman spectra were used to investigate the presence and distribution of scytonemin and carotenoids in epilithic and endolithic colonisations in temperate areas of Central Europe and Sicily. The results showed that scytonemin was commonly found in cyanobacterial epiliths dominated by cyanobacteria such as Scytonema, Stigonema, Hassallia, Gloeocapsopsis and Gloeocapsa. Additionally, scytonemin was also detected in endolithic colonisations in gypsum. The findings suggest that scytonemin is present in both endoliths and epiliths from areas that are not considered climatically extreme.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Eva Vermeersch, Filip Kosek, Johan De Grave, Jan Jehlicka, Peter Vandenabeele, Anastasia Rousaki
Summary: Manganese oxides are widely studied due to their diverse applications in industry, such as steel production, catalysis, and toxin removal. They are also used as pigments in archaeological artifacts. However, identifying different types of manganese oxides using Raman spectroscopy is challenging due to their weak scattering and vulnerability to lasers. In this research, seven natural mineral samples were characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy with two different laser wavelengths, resulting in well-defined Raman spectra for each manganese oxide phase.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Howell G. M. Edwards, Jan Jehlic, Katerina Nemeckova, Adam Culka
Summary: Microbial colonisations of gypsum from Eastern Poland were investigated using Raman microspectrometry with 445 nm excitation. The presence of scytonin in cyanobacterial colonisation of gypsum was observed for the first time, adding a new biomolecular signature to the library of biological pigments for the detection of traces of life in planetary missions.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)