Unveiling Organic Molecule Incorporation in Ice: Implications for Fundamental Processes to Origin of Life

Ice in glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost plays a crucial role in climate, sea-level, and scientific research. Recent discoveries have revealed the potential for various organic molecules to become trapped in ice, leading to unique chemical reactions and environmental processes. This study leverages our expertise in incorporating amino acids and proteins into inorganic crystals to investigate the integration of four amino acids and an antifreeze protein into ice. Employing a cryostat, we will freeze water solutions with varying organic molecule concentrations, assessing lattice distortions on ID22 to unveil incorporation extent and locations. Under different undercooling conditions, we will explore kinetic impacts on incorporation and lattice strains. Further, a DSC will be used to assesses the effect of organic molecule concentrations on water's freezing point. Our research promises insights into these interactions, advancing fundamental processes across scientific disciplines.