Radiation Tolerance of Nanopore Sequencing Technology for Life Detection on Mars and Europa.

ABSTRACT: The search for life beyond Earth is a key motivator in space exploration. Informational polymers, like DNA and RNA, are key biosignatures for life as we know it. The MinION is a miniature DNA sequencer based on versatile nanopore technology that could be implemented on future planetary missions. A critical unanswered question is whether the MinION and its protein-based nanopores can withstand increased radiation exposure outside Earth's shielding magnetic field. We evaluated the effects of ionizing radiation on the MinION platform - including flow cells, reagents, and hardware - and discovered limited performance loss when exposed to ionizing doses comparable to a mission to Mars. Targets with harsher radiation environments, like Europa, would require improved radiation resistance via addi

SUBMITTER: Sutton MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6441015 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature