Article
Spectroscopy
Guillermo Lopez-Reyes, Marco Veneranda, Jose Antonio Manrique, Alvaro Gonzalez Martin, Andoni Moral, Carlos Perez-Canora, Jose Antonio Rodriguez Prieto, Aurelio Sanz Arranz, Jesus Saiz Cano, Emmanuel Lalla, Menelaos Konstantinidis, Olga Prieto-Ballesteros, Jesus Medina, Manuel Angel Gonzalez, Elena Charro, Jose Manuel Lopez, Fernando Rull
Summary: The Raman laser spectrometer (RLS) instrument onboard the Rosalind Franklin rover of the ExoMars 2022 mission is designed to search for traces of life on Mars by analyzing powdered samples. To support this mission, the RLS scientific team has developed the RLS ExoMars Simulator (RLS Sim), which operates similarly to the actual instrument and assists in heavy experimental tasks. The RLS Sim will play a crucial role in maximizing the scientific return of the RLS spectrometer during Martian operations in conjunction with the RLS Flight Spare.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
P. M. Grindrod, R. B. Stabbins, S. Motaghian, E. J. Allender, C. R. Cousins, M. S. Rice, K. Stephan
Summary: Multispectral imaging instruments have been widely used in Mars missions, and this study analyzed the spectral performance of three visible and near-infrared (VNIR) instruments. The results showed that the ExoMars PanCam and Mars2020 Perseverance Mastcam-Z instruments had similar performance, which was better than the Mars Science Laboratory Mastcam. The study provided insights for future use of the ExoMars PanCam instrument and comparison of results across different instruments.
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Marco Veneranda, Jose Antonio Manrique-Martinez, Clara Garcia-Prieto, Aurelio Sanz-Arranz, Jesus Saiz, Emmanuel Lalla, Menelaos Konstantinidis, Andoni Moral, Jesus Medina, Fernando Rull, Luis Miguel Nieto, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes
Summary: This study utilized the latest chemometric tools to optimize the Raman system onboard the ExoMars 2022 rover. By analyzing laboratory mixtures, semi-quantitative analysis of Martian mineral phases was achieved, suggesting that RLS could effectively be used for mineralogical studies of basaltic geological units on Mars.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mickael Baque, Theresa Backhaus, Joachim Meessen, Franziska Hanke, Ute Boettger, Nisha Ramkissoon, Karen Olsson-Francis, Michael Baumgartner, Daniela Billi, Alessia Cassaro, Rosa de la Torre Noetzel, Rene Demets, Howell Edwards, Pascale Ehrenfreund, Andreas Elsaesser, Bernard Foing, Frederic Foucher, Bjorn Huwe, Jasmin Joshi, Natalia Kozyrovska, Peter Lasch, Natuschka Lee, Stefan Leuko, Silvano Onofri, Sieglinde Ott, Claudia Pacelli, Elke Rabbow, Lynn Rothschild, Dirk Schulze-Makuch, Laura Selbmann, Paloma Serrano, Ulrich Szewzyk, Cyprien Verseux, Dirk Wagner, Frances Westall, Laura Zucconi, Jean-Pierre P. de Vera
Summary: Two rover missions to Mars aim to detect biomolecules as evidence of past or present life. However, the stability of Raman-detectable biomolecules in the martian environment is still uncertain. To investigate this, seven biomolecules were exposed to a simulated martian environment for 469 days. Ultraviolet radiation had a significant impact on Raman spectra, but little change was observed when samples were shielded from UV. These findings support Mars missions searching for biosignatures underground and lay the foundation for a consolidated space-proven database of spectroscopy biosignatures in targeted environments.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marco Veneranda, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes, Jose Antonio Manrique-Martinez, Aurelio Sanz-Arranz, Jesus Medina, Carlos Perez, Cesar Quintana, Andoni Moral, Jose A. Rodriguez, Jesus Zafra, L. M. Nieto Calzada, Fernando Rull
Summary: The ExoFit trials, financed by ESA, aimed to test the Rosalind Franklin rover and improve collaboration between ExoMars working groups. The results demonstrated the critical role of the Raman Laser Spectrometer in characterizing Martian sub-surface environments and analyzing potential traces of life.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Emmanuel A. Lalla, Menelaos Konstantinidis, Marco Veneranda, Michael G. Daly, Jose Antonio Manrique, Elizabeth A. Lymer, James Freemantle, Edward A. Cloutis, Jessica M. Stromberg, Svetlana Shkolyar, Christy Caudill, Daniel Applin, Jorge L. Vago, Fernando Rull, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes
Summary: This article discusses the latest progress of the Mars 2020 and ExoMars missions. Mars 2020 will be the first-ever Mars sample caching mission, while the ExoMars mission will conduct in situ Raman spectroscopy analysis on Mars for the first time. Researchers performed Raman analysis activities at a Mars analog site and obtained valuable experimental data, further developing the Raman spectroscopy system for the ExoMars mission. These results are important for guiding in situ analysis and sample triage for Perseverance and Rosalind Franklin missions.
Article
Spectroscopy
Carlos Perez Canora, Jose Antonio Rodriguez, Fabio Musso, Andoni Moral, Laura Seoane, Jesus Zafra, Pablo Rodriguez Rodriguez, Sergio Ibarmia, Marina Benito, Marco Veneranda, Jose Antonio Manrique, Gonzalo Ramos, Elena Charro, Jose Manuel Lopez, Manual Angel Gonzalez, Ian Hutchinson, Olga Prieto-Ballesteros, Fernando Rull, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes
Summary: This paper discusses the application and performance evaluation of the Raman Laser Spectrometer (RLS) in the ExoMars 2022 rover. Through comparative analysis of different RLS instruments and experiments using Martian sample fragments, the study confirms the capability of the RLS instrument to acquire high-quality spectra from crushed samples, with potential for further optimization through improvements in operational sequences.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Elise W. Knutsen, Geronimo L. Villanueva, Giuliano Liuzzi, Matteo M. J. Crismani, Michael J. Mumma, Michael D. Smith, Ann Carine Vandaele, Shohei Aoki, Ian R. Thomas, Frank Daerden, Sebastien Viscardy, Justin T. Erwin, Loic Trompet, Lori Neary, Bojan Ristic, Miguel Angel Lopez-Valverde, Jose Juan Lopez-Moreno, Manish R. Patel, Ozgur Karatekin, Giancarlo Bellucci
Summary: A comprehensive search for hydrocarbons in the Martian atmosphere conducted by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter/NOMAD instrument from April 2018 to April 2019 did not yield any significant detections of organics, setting new stringent upper limits for global ethane and ethylene at 0.1 ppbv and 0.7 ppbv, respectively. No global background level of methane was observed, with an upper limit of 0.06 ppbv, in agreement with earlier findings. Dedicated searches for localized plumes at over 2000 locations also provided no positive detections, suggesting that methane release events, if they occur, are likely sporadic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula Andrea Valencia Londono, Diana Valencia Londono, Phoenix Storm Paz
Summary: This paper examines the impact of development projects on the quality of life for vulnerable inhabitants in informal settlements in Colombia, using the case study of La Primavera. It highlights the contradictions in the development agenda by showing how economic improvement and environmental conservation efforts negatively affect the well-being of the residents.
Article
Spectroscopy
Elliot J. Tay, Jonathan E. Barnsley, Daniel B. Thomas, Keith C. Gordon
Summary: Resonance Raman spectroscopy was used to identify and characterize psittacofulvins, showing different behaviors in red and yellow regions with Raman band wavenumber shifts. One yellow region exhibited similar characteristics to the red regions, suggesting the presence of psittacofulvins with greater conjugation.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yeran Bai, Zhongyue Guo, Fatima C. Pereira, Michael Wagner, Ji-Xin Cheng
Summary: A mid-infrared photothermal-fluorescence in situ hybridization (MIP-FISH) platform is developed for simultaneous identification and metabolic analysis of microbes with single-cell resolution and high throughput. By improving MIP imaging, isotopically labeled compounds incorporated into proteins of individual bacterial cells can be sensitively detected, while FISH labeling with rRNA-targeted probes enables the identification of the analyzed cells. In proof-of-concept experiments, MIP-FISH successfully discriminates and identifies labeled bacterial cells within a complex human gut microbiome sample based on the clear spectral red shift in the protein amide I region caused by incorporation of 13C atoms from 13C-labeled glucose. This study opens up new opportunities for single-cell structure-function analyses in microbiology.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andreij C. Gadelha, Douglas A. A. Ohlberg, Cassiano Rabelo, Eliel G. S. Neto, Thiago L. Vasconcelos, Joao L. Campos, Jessica S. Lemos, Vinicius Ornelas, Daniel Miranda, Rafael Nadas, Fabiano C. Santana, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Benoit van Troeye, Michael Lamparski, Vincent Meunier, Viet-Hung Nguyen, Dawid Paszko, Jean-Christophe Charlier, Leonardo C. Campos, Luiz G. Cancado, Gilberto Medeiros-Ribeiro, Ado Jorio
Summary: The twisted bilayer graphene undergoes self-organized lattice reconstruction, resulting in the formation of a superlattice that modulates vibrational and electronic structures, leading to phenomena such as strong correlations and superconductivity. Although experimental techniques and theoretical models face challenges in observing and describing these effects, nano-Raman spectroscopy can localize some vibrational modes and provide insights into the effects of electron-phonon coupling on the material properties.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Jonathon P. Mason, Manish R. Patel, Mark R. Leese, Brijen G. Hathi, Yannick Willame, Ian R. Thomas, Michael J. Wolff, Cedric Depiesse, James A. Holmes, Graham Sellers, Charlotte Marriner, Bojan Ristic, Frank Daerden, Jose Juan Lopez-Moreno, Giancarlo Bellucci, Ann Carine Vandaele
Summary: Researchers have proposed an in-flight straylight removal method for the UVIS channel of the NOMAD instrument aboard the ExoMars TGO, in order to address the 'red-leak' straylight signal issue. By modifying the UVIS readout method, the majority of the straylight at UV wavelengths has been successfully removed, with comparisons made to observations from the MARCI instrument.
PLANETARY AND SPACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marco Veneranda, Guillermo Lopez-Reyes, Jesus Saiz, Jose Antonio Manrique-Martinez, Aurelio Sanz-Arranz, Jesus Medina, Andoni Moral, Laura Seoane, Sergio Ibarmia, Fernando Rull
Summary: An amendment has been published for this paper, which can be accessed through a link at the top.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yusi Peng, Chenglong Lin, Yanyan Li, Yong Gao, Jing Wang, Jun He, Zhengren Huang, Jianjun Liu, Xiaoying Luo, Yong Yang
Summary: A highly sensitive semiconductor-based SERS substrate has been developed in this study, which can accurately identify the infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2 virions in actual environments through molecular enrichment and chemical enhancement effects.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amira Teffahi, Yacine Kerchich, Yacine Moussaoui, Paola Romagnoli, Catia Balducci, Cedric Malherbe, Rabah Kerbachi, Gauthier Eppe, Angelo Cecinato
Summary: The study in Algeria revealed that vehicle emissions are the main source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), while tobacco smoke also contributes to the pollution levels.
AIR QUALITY ATMOSPHERE AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alexandre Verdin, Cedric Malherbe, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: The highly selective SERS nanoprobes, based on Au@Ag nanoparticles protected by a PEG coating and functionalized with monoclonal antibodies against HER2, allow for specific targeting and quantification of HER2 in breast cancerous tissues. The proportional relationship between SERS signal and HER2 antigen quantity enables localized quantitative measurements, showing significant differences in HER2 expression levels within the same tissue slide. SERS has the potential to be a valuable tool for characterizing molecular heterogeneity in tumors at the microscopic scale due to its high multiplexing capabilities.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wendy H. Muller, Edwin De Pauw, Johann Far, Cedric Malherbe, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is crucial for understanding the spatial distribution of lipid species in biological samples, and Surface-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (SALDI) MSI offers unique capabilities for lipid analysis, especially for lipids with low ionization efficiency in MALDI-MS.
PROGRESS IN LIPID RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Yannick J. Lara, Andrea McCann, Cedric Malherbe, Camille Francois, Catherine F. Demoulin, Marie Catherine Sforna, Gauthier Eppe, Edwin De Pauw, Annick Wilmotte, Philippe Jacques, Emmanuelle J. Javaux
Summary: This study identified a gloeocapsin-producing cyanobacteria strain and compared the pigment extracted from the culture with a natural sample. The analysis of the pigment extract provided the molecular formula of gloeocapsin, suggesting it was either inherited from a common ancestor or acquired through lateral gene transfer. This work represents an important step towards understanding the structure and biosynthesis of this enigmatic pigment, and it offers a new biosignature for ancient cyanobacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wendy H. Muller, Andrea McCann, Anthony Arguelles Arias, Cedric Malherbe, Loic Quinton, Edwin De Pauw, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: In this study, a SALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) technique was used to image a co-culture of Pseudomonas and Bacillus bacteria grown on agar. A rapid and easy sample preparation method using DIUTHAME and blotting was proposed. The advantages and limitations of this new sample preparation method are discussed.
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Lucas Demaret, Ian B. Hutchinson, Richard Ingley, Howell G. M. Edwards, Nathalie Fagel, Philippe Compere, Emmanuelle J. Javaux, Gauthier Eppe, Cedric Malherbe
Summary: By analyzing an extinct hydrothermal chimney from the Jaroso hydrothermal system in Spain, this study confirmed the microbial colonization features of iron-rich hydrothermal chimneys in marl substrates, demonstrating that Raman spectroscopy is an effective tool for documenting the habitability of ancient hydrothermal environments.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gauthier Emonds-Alt, Cedric Malherbe, Alice Kasemiire, Hermane T. Avohou, Philippe Hubert, Eric Ziemons, Jean-Christophe M. Monbaliu, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: In this study, a method based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy and microfluidic system was developed for the detection of glyphosate and its main breakdown product, AMPA, in tap water. The method showed rapid, sensitive, and automated features and was validated in the experiment.
Article
Plant Sciences
Marisa Maia, Andrea McCann, Cedric Malherbe, Johann Far, Jorge Cunha, Jose Eiras-Dias, Carlos Cordeiro, Gauthier Eppe, Loic Quinton, Andreia Figueiredo, Edwin De Pauw, Marta Sousa Silva
Summary: This study successfully localized the molecules involved in the initial moments of grapevine-Plasmopara viticola interaction using MSI and found their accumulation on the veins. This provides important clues for further understanding the infection mechanism of P. viticola.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Morgane Valentin, Damien Coibion, Benedicte Vertruyen, Cedric Malherbe, Rudi Cloots, Frederic Boschini
Summary: In pharmaceutical applications, macroporous spherical granules of mannitol were successfully prepared using a spray-drying process with polystyrene beads as a sacrificial templating agent. The presence of PS beads was found to favor the formation of the alpha mannitol polymorph. Different atomization configurations in the pilot-scale spray dryer resulted in different distributions of granule size and porosity.
Article
Spectroscopy
Lucas Demaret, Hannah N. N. Lerman, Melissa McHugh, Ian B. B. Hutchinson, Nathalie Fagel, Gauthier Eppe, Cedric Malherbe
Summary: Clays on Mars indicate multiple episodes of water activity, especially in the early period. Analyzing clay samples from Germany can provide guidance for Martian exploration missions using miniaturized Raman instruments. Raman signatures of kaolinite and various types of smectite were identified, and accessory minerals in the clay matrix were also detected.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Alexandre Verdin, Sian Sloan-Dennison, Cedric Malherbe, Duncan Graham, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: In this study, we successfully achieved high specific targeting and measurement of folate receptor alpha (FRα) in cancer cells by building nanotags based on nanoparticles. The PERS response of the nanotags was positively correlated with the expression level of FRα, enabling the discrimination of different expression levels of cancer cells. Moreover, due to the biocompatibility of the nanotags, measurements could be performed on live cells, providing flexibility for experimental conditions.
Review
Spectroscopy
Wendy H. Mueller, Alexandre Verdin, Edwin De Pauw, Cedric Malherbe, Gauthier Eppe
Summary: Surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) is a technique that uses nanostructured substrates to promote the desorption/ionization of analytes, allowing for both untargeted and targeted analysis. This review focuses on SALDI-MS imaging (SALDI-MSI), discussing the nomenclature, fundamental mechanisms, analytical strategies, and applications in various fields. SALDI-MSI has strengths and limitations, but shows promising prospects for future development.
MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
L. Demaret, I. B. Hutchinson, G. Eppe, C. Malherbe
Summary: Raman spectroscopy plays a vital role in planetary exploration, assisting in the identification of minerals and organics on Mars to evaluate the habitability of the planet. By developing quantitative models and calibration curves, it is possible to effectively quantify different types of geochemical samples, demonstrating the feasibility of Raman analyses in the context of robotic exploration studies.
Proceedings Paper
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Melissa McHugh, Ian Hutchinson, Hannah Lerman, Paul O'Brien, Richard Willingale, Charlotte Feldman, Andy Beardmore, Roisin Speight, Alex Lodge, Paul Drumm, Nick Waltham, Matthew Clapp
Summary: The Soft X-ray Imager instrument on the ESA THESEUS mission aims to provide high-energy imaging and spectroscopy observations of fast transients, advancing our understanding of the early Universe. Utilizing high performance microchannel plate optics and X-ray optimized CMOS devices, the instrument team is currently developing a flight-like prototype instrument for full characterization, focusing on candidate detectors' performance. Early results from the focal plane requirement study program, including performance modeling and trade-off studies, have been presented.
SPACE TELESCOPES AND INSTRUMENTATION 2020: ULTRAVIOLET TO GAMMA RAY
(2021)
Proceedings Paper
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Charlotte Feldman, Paul O'Brien, Richard Willingale, Emile Schyns, Romain Roudot, Ray Fairbend, Julien Seguy, Hannah Lerman, Ian Hutchinson, Melissa McHugh, Alexander Lodge, Roisin Speight
Summary: The Transient High Energy Sources and Early Universe Surveyor is an ESA candidate mission focusing on completing a Gamma Ray Burst survey and monitoring transient X-ray events. The Soft X-ray Instrument consists of two lobster eye X-ray modules, aiming for an angular resolution of 4.5 arcmin and a localization accuracy of about 1 arcmin. Research efforts are being made to improve the performance of Micro Pore Optics in collaboration with the manufacturer.
SPACE TELESCOPES AND INSTRUMENTATION 2020: ULTRAVIOLET TO GAMMA RAY
(2021)