DEVELOPING A FLOATING CALORIMETER FOR IN SITU STUDY OF MICROBIAL ACTIVITIES NEAR CORAL REEFS

Calorimetry is a powerful tool used in various industries to measure thermodynamic properties. One potential application is studying the behavior of marine microbes living near coral reefs to assess their health and productivity. Estimating thermodynamic properties, such as Gibbs free energy, in marine microbes is challenging due to the complexity of the microbial community and the absence of complete knowledge regarding the biomass involved in each reaction. Accurately quantifying the Gibbs free energy of marine microbes is critical for understanding their metabolic activity and overall health. However, current commercial calorimeters have limitations preventing in situ experiments, but researchers at Northeastern University and the Microcalorimetry Laboratory at the Mechanical and Industry Department have proposed a novel floating calorimeter (FC) design that allows for accurate and immediate data collection at the beginning of a reaction. A photonic-based nanohole array ( NHA) chip combined with the technology of extraordinary optical transmissions (EOT) is integrated into the FC to sense temperature variation. A unique chamber configuration allows microbes to freely flow under seawater environments in a cylindrical shape. By providing a new method for in situ experiments, the FC has the potential to revolutionize the study of marine microbes and contribute to efforts to protect coral reefs and other ecosystems.