A team of French researchers from the University of Aix-Marseille has introduced a new approach for spotting molecules in the ocean. The method centers on a compact device that can detect and analyze dissolved compounds with a mechanism reminiscent of the sense of smell. The researchers describe their findings in the ACS Center for Science journal, a publication that compiles advances in chemical science (ACS Center for Science, 2024).
The handheld instrument works by pulling seawater through a set of discs that resemble makeup-removal pads. These filters trap and concentrate molecules present in the water, allowing scientists to study them more thoroughly. This capture-and-examine process could eventually enable on-site, real-time assessments of the chemical makeup of marine environments, offering a practical alternative to more traditional laboratory-based sampling.
To test the system, the team conducted field trials in the Mediterranean, including underwater environments within caves at a depth slightly above 20 metres. After collecting samples, the compounds were analyzed with mass spectrometry, a technique that reveals the molecular weight and structure of substances with high precision. The resulting datasets showed a wide diversity of molecules, many of which did not match any known structures in existing databases, highlighting the vast, largely uncharted chemical richness of marine systems (ACS Center for Science, 2024).
The researchers emphasize that the technology holds significant promise for discovering novel natural products and potential medicines. By enabling more efficient sampling and rapid analysis, it could accelerate the identification of bioactive compounds that might inspire new drugs or lead to better understanding of marine chemistry and ecology.
Looking ahead, the team plans to adapt the device for autonomous operation, enabling continuous filtration of seawater at greater depths for longer periods. Such an evolution would be particularly valuable for long-term monitoring of remote ocean regions, contributing to baseline environmental data and the early detection of chemical changes in marine ecosystems (ACS Center for Science, 2024).
There is a broader history behind this line of inquiry. Earlier expeditions and field studies in polar and temperate seas demonstrated how small, portable sampling tools can expand our view of ocean chemistry. The new device builds on those efforts by combining a gentle, selective capture step with a robust analytical workflow, offering both flexibility and scalability for future marine chemistry research (ACS Center for Science, 2024).