Offre de Stage (M2) Geysérites islandaises : Un environnement analogue martien pour un protométabolisme de surface
About the internship
This internship, centered on prebiotic chemistry, explores the coevolution of Life and minerals. It is based on the hypothesis that surface hydrothermal environments, similar to those found on Mars and in current geyser regions (Iceland), may have played a crucial role in the emergence of present-day biochemistry.
Research objectives
The intern will use geyserite samples (amorphous SiO₂) collected during the PREBIOVIE 2 expedition (2025). A preliminary study has already shown glycine (Gly) dimerization on these surfaces. The main objective will be to determine whether these mineral supports catalyze the formation of polymers and copolymers from simple monomers: lactic acid (LA) and glycine (Gly). In this first step, the formation of intermediates such as lactide, DKP (amino acid dimer), and PLA (polylactic acid) would demonstrate a possible non-biological pathway for the synthesis of biopolymers (polyesters and peptides/proteins) on a mineral surface.
Work components
The work will be divided into two major parts:
- Characterization of geyserites: Use of materials analysis techniques such as XRD, TGA, and SEM to establish their mineralogical composition and structure.
- Reactivity study of geyserites: Performing condensation reactions between LA and Gly in aqueous solutions, subjected to drying/rehydration cycles or thermal activation. Reaction products will be identified and characterized in situ or after desorption, using advanced spectroscopic methods (notably FTIR, NMR, TOF-SIMS).
Practical information
- Internship period: February 2026 to July 2026
- Host laboratory: Laboratoire d'Archéologie Moléculaire et Structurale (LAMS, UMR8220)
- Address: Boite courrier 225, Sorbonne Université, 4 Place Jussieu 75252 Paris CEDEX 05
- Contact: louis.ter-ovanessian@espci.psl.eu
This internship, supported by CNES, is part of a larger project on the conditions for the emergence of primordial metabolisms. Full topic description available upon request.