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Kaur J, Kaur J, Nigam A. Extremophiles in Space Exploration. Indian J Microbiol 2024; 64:418-428. [PMID: 39010991 PMCID: PMC11246395 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-024-01297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In the era of deep space exploration, extremophile research represents a key area of research w.r.t space survival. This review thus delves into the intriguing realm of 'Space and Astro Microbiology', providing insights into microbial survival, resilience, and behavioral adaptations in space-like environments. This discussion encompasses the modified behavior of extremophilic microorganisms, influencing virulence, stress resistance, and gene expression. It then shifts to recent studies on the International Space Station and simulated microgravity, revealing microbial responses that impact drug susceptibility, antibiotic resistance, and its commercial implications. The review then transitions into Astro microbiology, exploring the possibilities of interplanetary transit, lithopanspermia, and terraforming. Debates on life's origin and recent Martian meteorite discoveries are noted. We also discuss Proactive Inoculation Protocols for selecting adaptable microorganisms as terraforming pioneers. The discussion concludes with a note on microbes' role as bioengineers in bioregenerative life support systems, in recycling organic waste for sustainable space travel; and in promoting optimal plant growth to prepare Martian and lunar basalt. This piece emphasizes the transformative impact of microbes on the future of space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder Kaur
- Gargi College, University of Delhi, Siri Fort Road, New Delhi, 110 049 India
| | - Jaspreet Kaur
- Maitreyi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 021 India
| | - Aeshna Nigam
- Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110 027 India
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2
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Koch SM, Freidank-Pohl C, Siontas O, Cortesao M, Mota A, Runzheimer K, Jung S, Rebrosova K, Siler M, Moeller R, Meyer V. Aspergillus niger as a cell factory for the production of pyomelanin, a molecule with UV-C radiation shielding activity. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1233740. [PMID: 37547691 PMCID: PMC10399693 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1233740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanins are complex pigments with various biological functions and potential applications in space exploration and biomedicine due to their radioprotective properties. Aspergillus niger, a fungus known for its high radiation resistance, is widely used in biotechnology and a candidate for melanin production. In this study, we investigated the production of fungal pyomelanin (PyoFun) in A. niger by inducing overproduction of the pigment using L-tyrosine in a recombinant ΔhmgA mutant strain (OS4.3). The PyoFun pigment was characterized using three spectroscopic methods, and its antioxidant properties were assessed using a DPPH-assay. Additionally, we evaluated the protective effect of PyoFun against non-ionizing radiation (monochromatic UV-C) and compared its efficacy to a synthetically produced control pyomelanin (PyoSyn). The results confirmed successful production of PyoFun in A. niger through inducible overproduction. Characterization using spectroscopic methods confirmed the presence of PyoFun, and the DPPH-assay demonstrated its strong antioxidant properties. Moreover, PyoFun exhibited a highly protective effect against radiation-induced stress, surpassing the protection provided by PyoSyn. The findings of this study suggest that PyoFun has significant potential as a biological shield against harmful radiation. Notably, PyoFun is synthesized extracellularly, differing it from other fungal melanins (such as L-DOPA- or DHN-melanin) that require cell lysis for pigment purification. This characteristic makes PyoFun a valuable resource for biotechnology, biomedicine, and the space industry. However, further research is needed to evaluate its protective effect in a dried form and against ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Marie Koch
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Carsten Freidank-Pohl
- Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Siontas
- Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marta Cortesao
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Afonso Mota
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Runzheimer
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sascha Jung
- Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katarina Rebrosova
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University (MUNI) and St. Anne's Faculty Hospital, Brno, Czechia
| | - Martin Siler
- Institute of Scientific Instruments of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, German Aerospace Center, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Lewandowski K, Stryjska A. What food will we be eating on our journey to Mars? BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2060135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Lewandowski
- Department of Technical Systems Maintenance and Operation, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Stryjska
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan, PR China
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4
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Wang J, Wang T, Zeng X, Wang S, Yu Z, Wei Y, Cai M, Chu XY, Chen YZ, Zhao Y. Database of space life investigations and bioinformatics of microbiology in extreme environments. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1017773. [PMID: 36406421 PMCID: PMC9668873 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1017773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological experiments performed in space crafts like space stations, space shuttles, and recoverable satellites has enabled extensive spaceflight life investigations (SLIs). In particular, SLIs have revealed distinguished space effects on microbial growth, survival, metabolite production, biofilm formation, virulence development and drug resistant mutations. These provide unique perspectives to ground-based microbiology and new opportunities for industrial pharmaceutical and metabolite productions. SLIs are with specialized experimental setups, analysis methods and research outcomes, which can be accessed by established databases National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Life Science Data Archive, Erasmus Experiment Archive, and NASA GeneLab. The increasing research across diverse fields may be better facilitated by databases of convenient search facilities and categorized presentation of comprehensive contents. We therefore developed the Space Life Investigation Database (SpaceLID) http://bidd.group/spacelid/, which collected SLIs from published academic papers. Currently, this database provides detailed menu search facilities and categorized contents about the studied phenomena, materials, experimental procedures, analysis methods, and research outcomes of 448 SLIs of 90 species (microbial, plant, animal, human), 81 foods and 106 pharmaceuticals, including 232 SLIs not covered by the established databases. The potential applications of SpaceLID are illustrated by the examples of published experimental design and bioinformatic analysis of spaceflight microbial phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xian Zeng
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zijie Yu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yiqi Wei
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Mengna Cai
- Institute of Civil Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Yi Chu
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yu Zong Chen
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yufen Zhao
- Qian Xuesen Collaborative Research Center of Astrochemistry and Space Life Sciences, Institute of Drug Discovery Technology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- The Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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5
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Bizzarri M, Fedeli V, Piombarolo A, Angeloni A. Space Biomedicine: A Unique Opportunity to Rethink the Relationships between Physics and Biology. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102633. [PMID: 36289894 PMCID: PMC9599147 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Space biomedicine has provided significant technological breakthroughs by developing new medical devices, diagnostic tools, and health-supporting systems. Many of these products are currently in use onboard the International Space Station and have been successfully translated into clinical practice on Earth. However, biomedical research performed in space has disclosed exciting, new perspectives regarding the relationships between physics and medicine, thus fostering the rethinking of the theoretical basis of biology. In particular, these studies have stressed the critical role that biophysical forces play in shaping the function and pattern formation of living structures. The experimental models investigated under microgravity conditions allow us to appreciate the complexity of living organisms through a very different perspective. Indeed, biological entities should be conceived as a unique magnification of physical laws driven by local energy and order states overlaid by selection history and constraints, in which the source of the inheritance, variation, and process of selection has expanded from the classical Darwinian definition. The very specific nature of the field in which living organisms behave and evolve in a space environment can be exploited to decipher the underlying, basic processes and mechanisms that are not apparent on Earth. In turn, these findings can provide novel opportunities for testing pharmacological countermeasures that can be instrumental for managing a wide array of health problems and diseases on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Bizzarri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Dip. “P.Valdoni”, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Valeria Fedeli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Dip. “P.Valdoni”, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Piombarolo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Systems Biology Group Lab, Dip. “P.Valdoni”, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
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6
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Cortesão M, Holland G, Schütze T, Laue M, Moeller R, Meyer V. Colony growth and biofilm formation of Aspergillus niger under simulated microgravity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975763. [PMID: 36212831 PMCID: PMC9539656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biotechnology- and medicine-relevant fungus Aspergillus niger is a common colonizer of indoor habitats such as the International Space Station (ISS). Being able to colonize and biodegrade a wide range of surfaces, A. niger can ultimately impact human health and habitat safety. Surface contamination relies on two key-features of the fungal colony: the fungal spores, and the vegetative mycelium, also known as biofilm. Aboard the ISS, microorganisms and astronauts are shielded from extreme temperatures and radiation, but are inevitably affected by spaceflight microgravity. Knowing how microgravity affects A. niger colony growth, in particular regarding the vegetative mycelium (biofilm) and spore production, will help prevent and control fungal contaminations in indoor habitats on Earth and in space. Because fungal colonies grown on agar can be considered analogs for surface contamination, we investigated A. niger colony growth on agar in normal gravity (Ground) and simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions by fast-clinorotation. Three strains were included: a wild-type strain, a pigmentation mutant (ΔfwnA), and a hyperbranching mutant (ΔracA). Our study presents never before seen scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of A. niger colonies that reveal a complex ultrastructure and biofilm architecture, and provide insights into fungal colony development, both on ground and in simulated microgravity. Results show that simulated microgravity affects colony growth in a strain-dependent manner, leading to thicker biofilms (vegetative mycelium) and increased spore production. We suggest that the Rho GTPase RacA might play a role in A. niger’s adaptation to simulated microgravity, as deletion of ΔracA leads to changes in biofilm thickness, spore production and total biomass. We also propose that FwnA-mediated melanin production plays a role in A. niger’s microgravity response, as ΔfwnA mutant colonies grown under SMG conditions showed increased colony area and spore production. Taken together, our study shows that simulated microgravity does not inhibit A. niger growth, but rather indicates a potential increase in surface-colonization. Further studies addressing fungal growth and surface contaminations in spaceflight should be conducted, not only to reduce the risk of negatively impacting human health and spacecraft material safety, but also to positively utilize fungal-based biotechnology to acquire needed resources in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marta Cortesão,
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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7
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Something old, something new: challenges and developments in Aspergillus niger biotechnology. Essays Biochem 2021; 65:213-224. [PMID: 33955461 PMCID: PMC8314004 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The filamentous ascomycete fungus Aspergillus niger is a prolific secretor of organic acids, proteins, enzymes and secondary metabolites. Throughout the last century, biotechnologists have developed A. niger into a multipurpose cell factory with a product portfolio worth billions of dollars each year. Recent technological advances, from genome editing to other molecular and omics tools, promise to revolutionize our understanding of A. niger biology, ultimately to increase efficiency of existing industrial applications or even to make entirely new products. However, various challenges to this biotechnological vision, many several decades old, still limit applications of this fungus. These include an inability to tightly control A. niger growth for optimal productivity, and a lack of high-throughput cultivation conditions for mutant screening. In this mini-review, we summarize the current state-of-the-art for A. niger biotechnology with special focus on organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, gluconic acid and itaconic acid), secreted proteins and secondary metabolites, and discuss how new technological developments can be applied to comprehensively address a variety of old and persistent challenges.
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8
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Turning Inside Out: Filamentous Fungal Secretion and Its Applications in Biotechnology, Agriculture, and the Clinic. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070535. [PMID: 34356914 PMCID: PMC8307877 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are found in virtually every marine and terrestrial habitat. Vital to this success is their ability to secrete a diverse range of molecules, including hydrolytic enzymes, organic acids, and small molecular weight natural products. Industrial biotechnologists have successfully harnessed and re-engineered the secretory capacity of dozens of filamentous fungal species to make a diverse portfolio of useful molecules. The study of fungal secretion outside fermenters, e.g., during host infection or in mixed microbial communities, has also led to the development of novel and emerging technological breakthroughs, ranging from ultra-sensitive biosensors of fungal disease to the efficient bioremediation of polluted environments. In this review, we consider filamentous fungal secretion across multiple disciplinary boundaries (e.g., white, green, and red biotechnology) and product classes (protein, organic acid, and secondary metabolite). We summarize the mechanistic understanding for how various molecules are secreted and present numerous applications for extracellular products. Additionally, we discuss how the control of secretory pathways and the polar growth of filamentous hyphae can be utilized in diverse settings, including industrial biotechnology, agriculture, and the clinic.
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10
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Abstract
Microbial research in space is being conducted for almost 50 years now. The closed system of the International Space Station (ISS) has acted as a microbial observatory for the past 10 years, conducting research on adaptation and survivability of microorganisms exposed to space conditions. This adaptation can be either beneficial or detrimental to crew members and spacecraft. Therefore, it becomes crucial to identify the impact of two primary stress conditions, namely, radiation and microgravity, on microbial life aboard the ISS. Elucidating the mechanistic basis of microbial adaptation to space conditions aids in the development of countermeasures against their potentially detrimental effects and allows us to harness their biotechnologically important properties. Several microbial processes have been studied, either in spaceflight or using devices that can simulate space conditions. However, at present, research is limited to only a few microorganisms, and extensive research on biotechnologically important microorganisms is required to make long-term space missions self-sustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Bijlani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Elisa Stephens
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nitin Kumar Singh
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA
| | | | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, 1985 Zonal Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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11
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Simões MF, Antunes A. Microbial Pathogenicity in Space. Pathogens 2021; 10:450. [PMID: 33918768 PMCID: PMC8069885 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10040450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
After a less dynamic period, space exploration is now booming. There has been a sharp increase in the number of current missions and also of those being planned for the near future. Microorganisms will be an inevitable component of these missions, mostly because they hitchhike, either attached to space technology, like spaceships or spacesuits, to organic matter and even to us (human microbiome), or to other life forms we carry on our missions. Basically, we never travel alone. Therefore, we need to have a clear understanding of how dangerous our "travel buddies" can be; given that, during space missions, our access to medical assistance and medical drugs will be very limited. Do we explore space together with pathogenic microorganisms? Do our hitchhikers adapt to the space conditions, as well as we do? Do they become pathogenic during that adaptation process? The current review intends to better clarify these questions in order to facilitate future activities in space. More technological advances are needed to guarantee the success of all missions and assure the reduction of any possible health and environmental risks for the astronauts and for the locations being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Filipa Simões
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences (SKLPlanets), Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China;
- China National Space Administration (CNSA), Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, China
| | - André Antunes
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences (SKLPlanets), Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China;
- China National Space Administration (CNSA), Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, China
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12
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McNulty MJ, Xiong YM, Yates K, Karuppanan K, Hilzinger JM, Berliner AJ, Delzio J, Arkin AP, Lane NE, Nandi S, McDonald KA. Molecular pharming to support human life on the moon, mars, and beyond. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2021; 41:849-864. [PMID: 33715563 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2021.1888070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Space missions have always assumed that the risk of spacecraft malfunction far outweighs the risk of human system failure. This assumption breaks down for longer duration exploration missions and exposes vulnerabilities in space medical systems. Space agencies can no longer reduce the majority of the human health and performance risks through crew members selection process and emergency re-supply or evacuation. No mature medical solutions exist to address this risk. With recent advances in biotechnology, there is promise for lessening this risk by augmenting a space pharmacy with a biologically-based space foundry for the on-demand manufacturing of high-value medical products. Here we review the challenges and opportunities of molecular pharming, the production of pharmaceuticals in plants, as the basis of a space medical foundry to close the risk gap in current space medical systems. Plants have long been considered to be an important life support object in space and can now also be viewed as programmable factories in space. Advances in molecular pharming-based space foundries will have widespread applications in promoting simple and accessible pharmaceutical manufacturing on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J McNulty
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Yongao Mary Xiong
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kevin Yates
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kalimuthu Karuppanan
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacob M Hilzinger
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Delzio
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nancy E Lane
- Center for Musculoskeletal Health, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Somen Nandi
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karen A McDonald
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.,Global HealthShare® Initiative, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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13
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Cortesão M, Siems K, Koch S, Beblo-Vranesevic K, Rabbow E, Berger T, Lane M, James L, Johnson P, Waters SM, Verma SD, Smith DJ, Moeller R. MARSBOx: Fungal and Bacterial Endurance From a Balloon-Flown Analog Mission in the Stratosphere. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:601713. [PMID: 33692763 PMCID: PMC7937622 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.601713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether terrestrial life can withstand the martian environment is of paramount interest for planetary protection measures and space exploration. To understand microbial survival potential in Mars-like conditions, several fungal and bacterial samples were launched in September 2019 on a large NASA scientific balloon flight to the middle stratosphere (∼38 km altitude) where radiation levels resembled values at the equatorial Mars surface. Fungal spores of Aspergillus niger and bacterial cells of Salinisphaera shabanensis, Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, and Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 were launched inside the MARSBOx (Microbes in Atmosphere for Radiation, Survival, and Biological Outcomes Experiment) payload filled with an artificial martian atmosphere and pressure throughout the mission profile. The dried microorganisms were either exposed to full UV-VIS radiation (UV dose = 1148 kJ m-2) or were shielded from radiation. After the 5-h stratospheric exposure, samples were assayed for survival and metabolic changes. Spores from the fungus A. niger and cells from the Gram-(-) bacterium S. shabanensis were the most resistant with a 2- and 4-log reduction, respectively. Exposed Buttiauxella sp. MASE-IM-9 was completely inactivated (both with and without UV exposure) and S. capitis subsp. capitis only survived the UV shielded experimental condition (3-log reduction). Our results underscore a wide variation in survival phenotypes of spacecraft associated microorganisms and support the hypothesis that pigmented fungi may be resistant to the martian surface if inadvertently delivered by spacecraft missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katharina Siems
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stella Koch
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kristina Beblo-Vranesevic
- Astrobiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Astrobiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Berger
- Biophysics Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Lane
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Engineering Directorate, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Leandro James
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Engineering Directorate, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Prital Johnson
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Engineering Directorate, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, United States
| | - Samantha M. Waters
- Universities Space Research Association, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Sonali D. Verma
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - David J. Smith
- NASA Ames Research Center, Space Biosciences Research Branch, Moffett Field, CA, United States
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Department of Radiation Biology, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
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Cortesão M, de Haas A, Unterbusch R, Fujimori A, Schütze T, Meyer V, Moeller R. Aspergillus niger Spores Are Highly Resistant to Space Radiation. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:560. [PMID: 32318041 PMCID: PMC7146846 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is one of the main contaminants of the International Space Station (ISS). It forms highly pigmented, airborne spores that have thick cell walls and low metabolic activity, enabling them to withstand harsh conditions and colonize spacecraft surfaces. Whether A. niger spores are resistant to space radiation, and to what extent, is not yet known. In this study, spore suspensions of a wild-type and three mutant strains (with defects in pigmentation, DNA repair, and polar growth control) were exposed to X-rays, cosmic radiation (helium- and iron-ions) and UV-C (254 nm). To assess the level of resistance and survival limits of fungal spores in a long-term interplanetary mission scenario, we tested radiation doses up to 1000 Gy and 4000 J/m2. For comparison, a 360-day round-trip to Mars yields a dose of 0.66 ± 0.12 Gy. Overall, wild-type spores of A. niger were able to withstand high doses of X-ray (LD90 = 360 Gy) and cosmic radiation (helium-ion LD90 = 500 Gy; and iron-ion LD90 = 100 Gy). Drying the spores before irradiation made them more susceptible toward X-ray radiation. Notably, A. niger spores are highly resistant to UV-C radiation (LD90 = 1038 J/m2), which is significantly higher than that of other radiation-resistant microorganisms (e.g., Deinococcus radiodurans). In all strains, UV-C treated spores (1000 J/m2) were shown to have decreased biofilm formation (81% reduction in wild-type spores). This study suggests that A. niger spores might not be easily inactivated by exposure to space radiation alone and that current planetary protection guidelines should be revisited, considering the high resistance of fungal spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Aram de Haas
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rebecca Unterbusch
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
| | - Akira Fujimori
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany
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