105 / 2025-03-31 22:03:37

Preliminary exploration of life-earth interactions in extreme environments by Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy,extreme environments,life-earth interactions,in situ detection

Theme 1: Novel Tools and Techniques in Geobiology > Session 1c: Unraveling Life-Earth Interactions across Extreme Environments and Beyond from Innovative Approaches in Geobiology

Research on the interactions between life and geochemical processes, particularly in deep-sea extreme environments, has long been hindered by the lack of in situ multiparameter quantitative analytical technologies. Conventional sampling approaches, plagued by artifacts from sampling distortion, contamination, and physical damage, often fail to capture the true dynamics of molecular behaviors and microbial metabolism in native settings. To address this challenge, deep-sea Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a transformative tool, offering in situ, non-destructive, and highly sensitive detection capabilities to unravel life-environment interactions in these extreme habitats.

A critical phase in Earth’s geochemical evolution is the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules from inorganic precursors. Using Raman spectroscopy, we conducted in situ quantitative monitoring of non-biotic organic synthesis in hydrothermal systems, revealing the dynamic formation and transformation of formate ^[1]. To overcome the sensitivity limitations in detecting trace metabolites, we developed surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes, successfully applied for in situ analysis of biomolecules in cold seep environments ^[2]. In investigating microbial-mediated elemental cycles, we implemented dynamic Raman monitoring techniques to track elemental metabolism in microbial communities. For gas-phase metabolic studies, a non-destructive quantitative method was established to precisely resolve microbial metabolic pathways of methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) ^[3]. For deep-sea solid sulfur, a three-dimensional Raman imaging approach was established to visualize and quantify the sulfur metabolism of sulfur-producing bacteria, revealing the dynamic patterns of S₈ production and transformation ^[4]. Additionally, protein spatial structure analysis via Raman spectroscopy optimized preservation strategies for methane-oxidizing symbionts, and a novel visualization-semi quantitative approach elucidated intracellular methane transformation. To assess anthropogenic impacts, we constructed a Raman-based framework for analyzing microbial plastic degradation, providing methodological support for studying pollutants in deep-sea carbon cycling ^[5].

These innovations in deep-sea Raman technology have broken barriers in extreme-environment in situ analysis, offering novel methodologies for exploring life’s origins, deep biosphere processes, and global biogeochemical cycles. These work bridges disciplines such as deep-sea optics, biogeochemistry, and geology, significantly advancing interdisciplinary research in extreme environmental systems.

References:

1. Xi S., Huang R., Luan Z., Du Z., Li L., Xie G., Sun W., Zhang X., 2025. Quantitative in situ Raman monitoring of the formation of abundant formate during the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide. Science Bulletin, 70, 500-503.


2. Wang S., Pan R., He W., Li L., Yang Y., Du Z., Luan Z., Zhang X., 2023. In situ surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of biomolecules in the deep ocean. Applied Surface Science, 620, 156854.


3. Zhuo J., Zheng R., Luan Z., Li L., Xi S., Du Z., He W., Sun C., Zhang X., 2025. Advancing anaerobic microbial studies with in situ Raman spectroscopy: methanogenic archaea as a model. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 336, 126043.


4. He W., Cai R., Xi S., Yin Z., Du Z., Luan Z., Sun C., Zhang X., 2023. Study of microbial sulfur metabolism in a near real time pathway through confocal Raman quantitative 3D imaging. Microbiology Spectrum, 11, e0367822.


5. He W., Liu R., Xi S., Xi S., Du Z., Luan Z., Sun C., Zhang X., 2024. In situ real-time pathway to study the polyethylene long-term degradation process by a marine fungus through confocal Raman quantitative imaging. Science of the Total Environment, 939, 173582.