Phosphorylation by way of inorganic phosphate as a potential prebiotic process.
Prebiotic chemical reactions on primitive earth in evolution of life, discussing phosphorylation of nucleosides with phosphoric acid and monobasic salts
Chang, S.↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “phosphate process”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
Surface characterization of Ti and Ti (6 percent, Al-4 percent, V) metal powders and interaction with primer solutions
The interaction of Ti and Ti 6-4 powders with water and primer solutions was investigated experimentally by measuring the heats of immersion. Similar comparative studies were made on anatase and rutile TiO2 powders. The surface oxide layers of Ti and Ti 6-4 cracked on heating in vacuum between 300 and 400 C as evidenced by high heats of immersion in both water and primer solutions. Polyimide and polyphenylquinoxaline interacted preferentially, compared with the solvents with both metal powders after outgassing at room temperature. The heats of immersion of Ti 6-4 in water, solvents, and primer solutions increased significantly after pretreatment of the powder by an alkaline etch and a phosphate-fluoride process. The TiO2 powders were not satisfactory models for the surface oxide layer on either Ti or Ti 6-4 powder.
Siriwardane, R. V.↗
Phosphates in pallasite meteorites as probes of mantle processes in small planetary bodies
Trace element analyses of the phosphates minerals in stony-iron pallasite meteorites are used here to investigate the magmatic history of the silicate portions of pallasites. In Eagle Station and seven other pallasites, the phosphates have relatively low concentrations of REEs and are strongly enriched in heavy relative to light REE. These patterns are consistent with formation of phosphate by subsolidus reactions between metal and silicate, in which phosphate inherits the REE pattern of olivine. In Springwater and Santa Rosalia, calcium-rich phosphates have higher concentrations of REE, are enriched in light relative to heavy REE, and have negative europium anomalies. These patterns are consistent with crystallization of phosphate from a europium-depleted chondritic liquid. This is unlikely to have happened near the base of the differentiating parent-body mantle; it suggests that some pallasites may come from regions of their parent bodies much nearer the surface than the core-mantle boundary.
Davis, Andrew M.↗
Process for fabrication of stabilized aluminum phosphate fibers
Ceramic possesses ideal property combination of high refractoriness and low thermal expansion. Fiber exceeds performance of fused silica fibers at high temperatures. It shrinks less, does not devitrify into unstable cristobalite structure, and is potentially less sensitive to impurities. Might be used for high-temperature insulation, fire protection, composites, and refractories.
Ormiston, T. J.↗
Potentially Prebiotic Syntheses of Condensed Phosphates
In view of the importance of a prebiotic source of high energy phosphates, we have investigated a number of potentially prebiotic processes to produce condensed phosphates from orthophosphate and cyclic trimetaphosphate from tripolyphosphate. The reagents investigated include polymerizing nitriles, acid anhydrides, lactones, hexamethylene tetramine and carbon suboxide. A number of these processes give substantial yields of pyrophosphate from orthophosphate and trimetaphosphate from tripolyphosphate. Although these reactions may have been applicable in local areas, they are not sufficiently robust to have been of importance in the prebiotic open ocean.
Keefe, Anthony D.↗
Enzymatic regeneration of adenosine triphosphate cofactor
Regenerating adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) by enzymatic process which utilizes carbamyl phosphate as phosphoryl donor is technique used to regenerate expensive cofactors. Process allows complex enzymatic reactions to be considered as candidates for large-scale continuous processes.
Marshall, D. L.↗
Lead in Martian Meteorites-- Observations and Inconsistencies: I. Chassigny
The history of Pb isotope analyses of the martian meteorites (SNC) and their interpretations is laden with difficulties. Two different analytical groups have interpreted their ancient (≥ 4 Ga) shergottite Pb ages as primary [1-5]. A Nakhla age of approximately 4.3 Ga has been interpreted to be primary as well [2]. This is in stark contrast to the young (≤ 1.4 Ga) crystallization ages defined by the Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, and KAr systems [6]. Possibly, a better interpretation for the ancient Pb ages is that they reflect the formation times of the various SNC source regions [7]. A difficulty in dealing with Pb is that terrestrial contamination is ubiquitous, unlike the other chronometer systems noted above. This issue is complicated by the fact that radioactive decay causes localized mineral damage. So washing and leaching to remove Pb contamination tends to remove in situ radiogenic Pb. This issue is further compounded because U and Th are often concentrated in phosphates and other minor phases, so the leaching process tends to remove these, especially phosphates. Another difficulty is that it is not clear whether the observed Pb isotopic variation in leachates, residues, and ion-microprobe analyses is due to terrestrial or to indigenous martian Pb contamination [e.g., 8]. A third difficulty is that the shergottites on the one hand, and the nakhlites and chassignites on the other, appear to have come from separate source regions with different chemical compositions [e.g., 7]. Thus, it is expected that their Pb isotopic characteristics would be different. And even if all these meteorite types came from the same source region, their igneous ages differ considerably. The nakhlites and chassignites are ~1.4 Ga and the shergottites are ≤ 600 Ma [e.g., 6]. This age difference alone should assure that the two distinct SNC groups have differing Pb isotopic signatures.
Jones, J. H.↗
Behavior of bromide, chloride, and phosphate during low-temperature aqueous Fe(II) oxidation processes on Mars
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Yu-Yan Sara Zhao↗
Microanalysis of dissolved iron and phosphate in pore waters of hypersaline sediment
Diurnal fluctuations of reduced iron concentrations, expected to occur in reduced sediments in the photic zone, were studied. Iron concentration was compared to O2-H2S, a microcanalysis of sulfate reduction was performed, as well as an examination of diurnal concentration of dissolved phosphate and changes in interstitial CO2. The iron profiles suggest a strong correlation between iron remobilization and processes occurring in the light. Phosphate profiles suggest the removal of phosphate is strongly correlated with precipitation of oxidized iron in the upper 2 mm to 5 mm of the sediments. Pore water CO2 concentrations and carbon isotope ratios are presented. These data are from the analyses of minisediment cores collected from the 42 per mil salt pond and incubated in the laboratory under light and dark conditions.
Haddad, R.↗
Histological preparation of developing vestibular otoconia for scanning electron microscopy
The unique nature of vestibular otoconia as calcium carbonate biominerals makes them particularly susceptible to chemical deformation during histological processing. We fixed and stored otoconia from all three otolith endorgans of embryonic, hatchling and adult Japanese quail in glutaraldehyde containing either phosphate or non-phosphate buffers for varying lengths of time and processed them for scanning electron microscopy. Otoconia from all age groups and otolith endorgans processed in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) showed abnormal surface morphology when compared to acetone fixed controls. Otoconia processed in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate or HEPES buffered artificial endolymph (pH 7.4) showed normal morphology that was similar to controls. The degree of otoconial deformation was directly related to the time exposed to phosphate buffer. Short duration exposure produced particulate deformations while longer exposures resulted in fused otoconia that formed solid sheets. Otoconial surface deformation and fusing was independent of the glutaraldehyde component of the histological processing. These findings should help vestibular researchers to develop appropriate histological processing protocols in future studies of otoconia.
Non-NASA Center↗
Cyanobacterial mats: Microanalysis of community metabolism
The microbial communities in two sites were studied using several approaches: (1) light microscopy; (2) the measurement of microprofiles of oxygen and sulfide at the surface of the microbial mat; (3) the study of diurnal variation of oxygen and sulfides; (4) in situ measurement of photosynthesis and sulfate reduction and study of the coupling of these two processes; (5) measurement of glutathione in the upper layers of the microbial mat as a possible oxygen quencher; (6) measurement of reduced iron as a possible intermediate electron donor along the established redoxcline in the mats; (7) measurement of dissolved phosphate as an indicator of processes of break down of organic matter in these systems; and (8) measurement of carbon dioxide in the interstitial water and its delta C-13 in an attempt to understand the flow of CO2 through the systems. Microbial processes of primary production and initial degradation at the most active zone of the microbial mat were analyzed.
Cohen, Y.↗
Mineralogical, Elemental, and Tomographic Reconnaissance Investigation for CLPS (METRIC)
METRIC is a robotic science laboratory that can determine the mineralogy, elemental chemistry, micromorphology, and thermophysical properties of planetary regolith. The METRIC suite comprises METRIC XRD/F, an X-ray diffraction/X-ray fluorescence instrument that can determine the mineralogy and elemental chemistry of regolith samples; METRIC XCT, a micro X-ray computed tomography instrument that can be used to evaluate grain/crystallite sizes and textures; METRIC IRS, an imaging spectrometer mounted on a rover that can determine mineralogy and thermophysical properties at the landing site; and a pneumatic sample collection, processing, distribution system developed by Honeybee Robotics. The payload elements could be deployed on a static lander or a rover. Data returned from the METRIC payload would inform origin, formation, and evolution of rocky planetary bodies. METRIC XRD/F draws on heritage from the CheMin instrument on the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Curiosity rover [1], with a few important improvements. Like CheMin, METRIC XRD/F operates in transmission geometry and uses piezoelectric actuators on sample cells in a tuning fork geometry to induce convective grain motion of the regolith to create a randomly oriented powder. MSL CheMin uses an energy-sensitive CCD to collect XRD patterns and XRF spectra simultaneously from the same sample cell, resulting in qualitative XRF data. METRIC XRD/F uses two different sample cells, one optimized for XRD and one optimized for XRF, and a silicon drift detector to detect fluoresced X-rays. This improvement to the XRF capabilities provides quantitative geochemical data of major elements down to Z = 11 and allows for the detection of minor and trace elements that are critical for evaluating geologic evolution of the Moon (e.g., P and Th). Modest improvements to the XRD geometry and hardware allow for better angular resolution and the ability to distinguish between members of the pyroxene group. METRIC XCT uses the same geometry and much of the same hardware as METRIC XRD/F, where a CCD would capture images of a regolith sample in a 3 mm diameter sample tube that is rotated 360° in steps <1°. Image brightness can be used to infer compositional data, where brighter materials indicate a higher Z, much like scanning electron microscopy. Data from METRIC XCT complement those from METRIC XRD/F. Particle size, shape, and texture can provide petrologic and provenance information, whereas vesicle size and morphology in volcanic or impact melt lithologies can inform cooling rates. METRIC IRS is a hyperspectral thermal imager that can be mounted to a lander or rover to provide mineralogical data from the broader landing site and help determine whether the samples analyzed by METRIC XRD/F and XCT are representative. The METRIC IRS spectral range (8–14 μm) and resolution (10.8 cm-1) allow for quantitative mineralogy from modelling Reststrahlen bands of major rock-forming minerals (e.g., silicates, phosphates). Radiance cubes can be processed and modelled with an onboard high-performance computer to determine mineral abundances of plagioclase, high-Ca pyroxene, pigeonite, orthopyroxene, olivine, and glass. Regolith samples can be acquired, processed, and delivered to the X-ray instruments via multiple sample handling systems, but the pneumatic sampling systems developed by Honeybee Robotics [e.g., 2] are best suited for relatively low-cost missions that are being competed for the Moon (e.g., NASA’s Payloads and Research Investigations for the Surface of the Moon program). There are pneumatic sampling systems that collect surface material and other systems that pneumatically drill up to ~1 m below the surface, providing material that has not been space weathered and has not been affected by the lander’s exhaust. [1] Blake, D. F., Vaniman, D., Achilles, C., Anderson, R., Bish, D., et al. (2012). Space Sci. Rev. 170, 341-478. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11214-012-9905-1. [2] Zacny, K., Betts, B., Hedlund, M., Long, P., Gramlich, M., Tura, K., Chu, P., Jacob, A., Garcia, A. (2014). IEEE Aerospace Conference, 3-7 March 2014, Big Sky, MT, U.S.A.
X-ray diffraction↗
Cyanogen induced phosphorylation of D-fructose
It has been demonstrated that a phosphorylated sugar, identified as alpha-D-fructopyranose, can be formed as the result of cyanogen-induced phosphorylation of D-fructose at pH 8.8. The product was isolated from barium and cyclohexylammonium salts and identified on the basis of its chromatographic and electrophoretic properties, its lability to hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase, the rate of its acid-catalyzed hydrolysis, and the results of periodate oxidation and optical rotatory measurements. These results support the suggestion that the cyanogen-induced phosphorylation of free sugars could be a possible process for formation of sugar phosphates under prebiotic conditions (Halman et al., 1969).
Degani, CH.↗
Evaluation of materials proposed for use in space flight
The primary irritancy and allergenicity of flame resistant treated cotton knit shirts proposed for use in space flight were evaluated. The knitted shirts were supplied by NASA as follows: knitted shirts with collars were made of two-ply mercerized single-knit cotton jersey. The fabric was treated with tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium hydroxide and subsequently cured with gaseous ammonia (THPOH/NH3). The final treatment comprised adding on diammonium phosphate (DAP)/urea. The treated fabric was process scoured to remove extraneous materials, top softened and mechanically or chemically finished as required for specific needs. Diammonium phosphate is a more efficient flame inhabitant than the phosphonium; thus, the combination treatment served to impart higher resistance to ignition and sustained combustion as required by NASA test standard.
Duncan, W. C.↗
Effect Of Gravity On Porous Tricalcium Phosphate And Nonstoichiometric Titanium Carbide Produced Via Combustion Synthesis
Novel processing techniques, such as self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS), have the capability to rapidly produce advanced porous materials that are difficult to fabricate by other methods. This processing technique is also capable of near net shape synthesis, while variable gravity allows the manipulation of the structure and composition of the material. The creation of porous tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is advantageous in the biomaterials field, since it is both a biocompatible material and an osteoconductive material. Porous tricalcium phosphate produced via SHS is an excellent candidate for bone scaffold material in the bone regeneration process. The porosity allows for great vascularization and ingrowth of tissue. Titanium Carbide is a nonstoichiometric biocompatible material that can be incorporated into a TiC-Ti composite system using combustion synthesis. The TiC-Ti composite exhibits a wide range of mechanical and chemical properties. Both of these material systems (TCP and TiC-Ti) can be used to advantage in designing novel bone replacement materials. Gravity plays an important role in both the pore structure and the chemical uniformity of these composite systems and offers considerable potential in advanced bone engineering.
Castillo, M.↗
Wastewater Brine Purification and Recovery through Electrodialysis Ion Exchange
Reutilizing resources onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and for future deep space missions are critical for mission longevity and sustainability. Wastewater brine produced from water recovery systems contain chemical species that could be processed into a potential fertilizer for future plant systems. This can be achieved through a process called electrodialysis ion exchange. Wastewater containing inorganic salt components are fed through a series of ion exchange membranes to produce fertilizer (a phosphate rich stream), electrolysis-grade water, and other useful commodities. Electrodialysis cells consisting of anion and cation exchange membranes, monovalent anion exchange membranes, and bipolar membranes were utilized to achieve selective ion exchange. The use of the electrodialysis cells were effective for both water extraction and ion separation. Ions successfully diffused across their respective membranes into the concentrate, acid, and base streams. This resulted in pure water, a phosphate rich stream, and a separate anion/hydrogen and cation/hydroxide stream. However, sulfate and some phosphate ions were able to diffuse through the monovalent anion exchange membrane into the acid stream. This resulted in predominantly phosphate ions remaining in the concentrate. Optimization of the process was accomplished by altering flowrates of each stream and initial volumes, adjusting the power input and resulting current through each cell, and varying the starting parameters by splitting the inorganic waste input into the diluate and the concentrate. As expected, increasing the flowrate and the power input to each cell reduced the overall time of the process. However, mission constraints may require a longer duration process in order to reduce the power consumption. Further analysis will be required to determine the power input necessary to achieve ion diffusion effectively and in a timely manner.
Ion Exchange Membranes↗
DKDP /potassium dideuterium phosphate/ light valves
The use of potassium dideuterium phosphate (DKDP) light valves for optical data processing is discussed. The operating principles and structure of optically and electron beam addressed DKDPs are compared, and specifications for both devices given. Optically addressed DKDPs are capable of higher resolution and contrast, but both systems represent viable real time spatial light modulators adaptable to optical processing. Examples of real time data processing performed by the DKDPs include: image addition and subtraction; reduction of noise introduced by scattered light in recording media; reconstruction of computer generated and acoustic holograms; reconstruction of synthetic aperture radar data; retrieval of three-dimensional information in X-ray diagnoses; radar signal processing and display; and optical pattern recognition and correlation of images, which has applications for missile guidance systems.
Casasent, D.↗
A Novel Protocol for Decoating and Permeabilizing Bacterial Spores for Epifluorescent Microscopy
Based on previously reported procedures for permeabilizing vegetative bacterial cells, and numerous trial-and-error attempts with bacterial endospores, a protocol was developed for effectively permeabilizing bacterial spores, which facilitated the applicability of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) microscopy. Bacterial endospores were first purified from overgrown, sporulated suspensions of B. pumilus SAFR-032. Purified spores at a concentration of approx equals 10 million spores/mL then underwent proteinase-K treatment, in a solution of 468.5 μL of 100 mM Tris-HCl, 30 μL of 10% SDS, and 1.5 microL of 20 mg/mL proteinase-K for ten minutes at 35 ºC. Spores were then harvested by centrifugation (15,000 g for 15 minutes) and washed twice with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution. This washing process consisted of resuspending the spore pellets in 0.5 mL of PBS, vortexing momentarily, and harvesting again by centrifugation. Treated and washed spore pellets were then resuspended in 0.5 mL of decoating solution, which consisted of 4.8 g urea, 3 mL Milli-Q water, 1 mL 0.5M Tris, 1 mL 1M dithiothreitol (DTT), and 2 mL 10% sodium-dodecylsulfate (SDS), and were incubated at 65 ºC for 15 minutes while being shaken at 165 rpm. Decoated spores were then, once again, washed twice with sterile PBS, and subjected to lysozyme/mutanolysin treatment (7 mg/mL lysozyme and 7U mutanolysin) for 15 minutes at 35 C. Spores were again washed twice with sterile PBS, and spore pellets were resuspended in 1-mL of 2% SDS. This treatment, facilitating inner membrane permeabilization, lasted for ten minutes at room temperature. Permeabilized spores were washed two final times with PBS, and were resuspended in 200 mkcroL of sterile PBS. At this point, the spores were permeable and ready for downstream processing, such as oligonucleotideprobe infiltration, hybridization, and microscopic evaluation. FISH-microscopic imagery confirmed the effective and efficient (≈50% successful permeabilization and recovery) permeabilization of numerous spore preparations. The novelty of the technology developed here is in its applicability to bacterial endospores. While protocols abound for the effective permeabilization of bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic vegetative cells, there are no such reliable methods for decoating and permeabilizing bacterial endospores in a manner that is amenable to downstream FISH microscopic analyses. This innovation enables the direct visualization and enumeration of spores via FISH-based microscopic techniques, circumventing the complications that accompany previously required germination regimes. The synergistic enzymatic weakening of the many spore layers facilitates a structural compromise that is just enough to render the spores permeable without degrading the spore to a level, which precludes it from recognition.
LaDuc, Myron T.↗