Photochemistry on the Space Station—Antibody Resistance to Space Conditions after Exposure Outside the International Space Station
Résumé
Antibody-based analytical instruments are under development to detect signatures of life on planetary bodies.
Antibodies are molecular recognition reagents able to detect their target at sub-nanomolar concentrations, with
high affinity and specificity. Studying antibody binding performances under space conditions is mandatory to
convince space agencies of the adequacy of this promising tool for planetary exploration.
To complement previous ground-based experiments on antibody resistance to simulated irradiation, we
evaluate in this paper the effects of antibody exposure to real space conditions during the EXPOSE-R2 mission
outside the International Space Station. The absorbed dose of ionizing radiation recorded during the 588 days of
this mission (220 mGy) corresponded to the absorbed dose expected during a mission to Mars. Moreover,
samples faced, at the same time as irradiation, thermal cycles, launch constraints, and long-term storage. A
model biochip was used in this study with antibodies in freeze-dried form and under two formats: free or
covalently grafted to a solid surface.
We found that antibody-binding performances were not significantly affected by cosmic radiation, and more
than 40% of the exposed antibody, independent of its format, was still functional during all this experiment. We
conclude that antibody-based instruments are well suited for in situ analysis on planetary bodies. Key Words:
Astrobiology—Cosmic rays—Biochip—Antibody—Planetary exploration. Astrobiology 19, 1053–1062.