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Caro-Astorga J, Meyerowitz JT, Stork DA, Nattermann U, Piszkiewicz S, Vimercati L, Schwendner P, Hocher A, Cockell C, DeBenedictis E. Polyextremophile engineering: a review of organisms that push the limits of life. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1341701. [PMID: 38903795 PMCID: PMC11188471 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1341701] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nature exhibits an enormous diversity of organisms that thrive in extreme environments. From snow algae that reproduce at sub-zero temperatures to radiotrophic fungi that thrive in nuclear radiation at Chernobyl, extreme organisms raise many questions about the limits of life. Is there any environment where life could not "find a way"? Although many individual extremophilic organisms have been identified and studied, there remain outstanding questions about the limits of life and the extent to which extreme properties can be enhanced, combined or transferred to new organisms. In this review, we compile the current knowledge on the bioengineering of extremophile microbes. We summarize what is known about the basic mechanisms of extreme adaptations, compile synthetic biology's efforts to engineer extremophile organisms beyond what is found in nature, and highlight which adaptations can be combined. The basic science of extremophiles can be applied to engineered organisms tailored to specific biomanufacturing needs, such as growth in high temperatures or in the presence of unusual solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Devon A. Stork
- Pioneer Research Laboratories, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Una Nattermann
- Pioneer Research Laboratories, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | | | - Lara Vimercati
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, United States
| | | | - Antoine Hocher
- London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charles Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Erika DeBenedictis
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Pioneer Research Laboratories, San Francisco, CA, United States
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2
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Timmis K, Hallsworth JE. This is the Age of Microbial Technology: Crucial roles of learned societies and academies. Microb Biotechnol 2024; 17:e14450. [PMID: 38683674 PMCID: PMC11057497 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial technologies constitute a huge and unique potential for confronting major humanitarian and biosphere challenges, especially in the realms of sustainability and providing basic goods and services where they are needed and particularly in low-resource settings. These technologies are evolving rapidly. Powerful approaches are being developed to create novel products, processes, and circular economies, including new prophylactics and therapies in healthcare, bioelectric systems, and whole-cell understanding of metabolism that provides novel insights into mechanisms and how they can be utilised for applications. The modulation of microbiomes promises to create important applications and mitigate problems in a number of spheres. Collectively, microbial technologies save millions of lives each year and have the potential, through increased deployment, to save many more. They help restore environmental health, improve soil fertility, enable regenerative agriculture, reduce biodiversity losses, reduce pollution, and mitigate polluted environments. Many microbial technologies may be considered to be 'healing' technologies - healing of humans, of other members of the biosphere, and of the environment. This is the Age of Microbial Technology. However, the current exploitation of microbial technologies in the service of humanity and planetary health is woefully inadequate and this failing unnecessarily costs many lives and biosphere deterioration. Microbiologists - the practitioners of these healing technologies - have a special, preordained responsibility to promote and increase their deployment for the good of humanity and the planet. To do this effectively - to actually make a difference - microbiologists will need to partner with key enablers and gatekeepers, players such as other scientists with essential complementary skills like bioengineering and bioinformatics, politicians, financiers, and captains of industry, international organisations, and the general public. Orchestration and coordination of the establishment and functioning of effective partnerships will best be accomplished by learned societies, their academies, and the international umbrella organisations of learned societies. Effective dedication of players to the tasks at hand will require unstinting support from employers, particularly the heads of institutes of higher education and of research establishments. Humanity and the biosphere are currently facing challenges to their survival not experienced for millennia. Effectively confronting these challenges is existential, and microbiologists and their learned societies have pivotal roles to play: they must step up and act now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Timmis
- Institute for MicrobiologyTechnical University of BraunschweigBraunschweigGermany
| | - John E. Hallsworth
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological SciencesQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
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3
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Çelekli A, Zariç ÖE. Breathing life into Mars: Terraforming and the pivotal role of algae in atmospheric genesis. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 41:181-190. [PMID: 38670646 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The Martian environment, characterized by extreme aridity, frigid temperatures, and a lack of atmospheric oxygen, presents a formidable challenge for potential terraforming endeavors. This review article synthesizes current research on utilizing algae as biocatalysts in the proposed terraforming of Mars, assessing their capacity to facilitate Martian atmospheric conditions through photosynthetic bioengineering. We analyze the physiological and genetic traits of extremophile algae that equip them for survival in extreme habitats on Earth, which serve as analogs for Martian surface conditions. The potential for these organisms to mediate atmospheric change on Mars is evaluated, specifically their role in biogenic oxygen production and carbon dioxide sequestration. We discuss strategies for enhancing algal strains' resilience and metabolic efficiency, including genetic modification and the development of bioreactors for controlled growth in extraterrestrial environments. The integration of algal systems with existing mechanical and chemical terraforming proposals is also examined, proposing a synergistic approach for establishing a nascent Martian biosphere. Ethical and ecological considerations concerning introducing terrestrial life to extra-planetary bodies are critically appraised. This appraisal includes an examination of potential ecological feedback loops and inherent risks associated with biological terraforming. Biological terraforming is the theoretical process of deliberately altering a planet's atmosphere, temperature, and ecosystem to render it suitable for Earth-like life. The feasibility of a phased introduction of life, starting with microbial taxa and progressing to multicellular organisms, fosters a supportive atmosphere on Mars. By extending the frontier of biotechnological innovation into space, this work contributes to the foundational understanding necessary for one of humanity's most audacious goals-the terraforming of another planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abuzer Çelekli
- Gaziantep University, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Biology, Gaziantep, Turkey; Gaziantep University, Environmental Research Center (GÜÇAMER), Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Özgür Eren Zariç
- Gaziantep University, Faculty of Art and Science, Department of Biology, Gaziantep, Turkey; Gaziantep University, Environmental Research Center (GÜÇAMER), Gaziantep, Turkey
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4
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Morgan MF, Diab J, Gilliham M, Mortimer JC. Green horizons: how plant synthetic biology can enable space exploration and drive on Earth sustainability. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 86:103069. [PMID: 38341984 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
As humanity looks towards expanding activity from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond, resource use efficiency and self-sustainability will be critical to ensuring success in the long term. Furthermore, solutions developed for the stringent requirements of space will be equally valuable in meeting sustainability goals here on Earth. Advances in synthetic biology allow us to harness the complex metabolism of life to produce the materials we need in situ. Translating those lessons learned from microbial systems to more carbon-efficient photosynthetic organisms is an area of growing interest. Plants can be engineered to sustainably meet a range of needs, from fuels to materials and medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Fox Morgan
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellent in Plants for Space, Australia
| | - Jonathan Diab
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellent in Plants for Space, Australia
| | - Matthew Gilliham
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellent in Plants for Space, Australia.
| | - Jenny C Mortimer
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine & Waite Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellent in Plants for Space, Australia; Joint BioEnergy Institute, CA, USA.
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5
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Matos ÂP, Saldanha-Corrêa FMP, Gomes RDS, Hurtado GR. Exploring microalgal and cyanobacterial metabolites with antiprotozoal activity against Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. Acta Trop 2024; 251:107116. [PMID: 38159713 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Neglected tropical diseases (NTD) like Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis affect millions of people annually, while currently used antiprotozoal drugs have serious side effects. Drug research based on natural products has shown that microalgae and cyanobacteria are a promising platform of biochemically active compounds with antiprotozoal activity. These unicellular photosynthetic organisms are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments including phycocyanin, chlorophylls and carotenoids, polyphenols, bioactive peptides, terpenes, alkaloids, which have proven antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiplasmodial and antiprotozoal properties. This review provides up-to-date information regarding ongoing studies on substances synthesized by microalgae and cyanobacteria with notable activity against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agents of Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and human African trypanosomiasis, respectively. Extracts of several freshwater or marine microalgae have been tested on different strains of Leishmania and Trypanosoma parasites. For instance, ethanolic extract of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Tetraselmis suecica have biological activity against T. cruzi, due to their high content of carotenoids, chlorophylls, phenolic compounds and flavonoids that are associated with trypanocidal activity. Halophilic Dunaliella salina showed moderate antileishmanial activity that may be attributed to the high β-carotene content in this microalga. Peptides such as almiramides, dragonamides, and herbamide that are biosynthesized by marine cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula were found to have increased activity in micromolar scale IC50 against L. donovani, T. Cruzi, and T. brucei parasites. The cyanobacterial peptides symplocamide and venturamide isolated from Symploca and Oscillatoria species, respectively, and the alkaloid nostocarbonile isolated from Nostoc have shown promising antiprotozoal properties and are being explored for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. The discovery of new molecules from microalgae and cyanobacteria with therapeutic potential against Leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis may address an urgent medical need: effective and safe treatments of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângelo Paggi Matos
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
| | | | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota 58105, United States
| | - Gabriela Ramos Hurtado
- Institute for Advanced Studies of Ocean, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil; Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rodovia Presidente Dutra Km 138, Eugênio de Melo, São José dos Campos 12247-004, Brazil.
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6
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Mussagy CU, Pereira JFB, Pessoa A. Microbial products for space nutrition. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(23)00343-8. [PMID: 38182440 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.12.004] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Sustainably producing nutrients beyond Earth is one of the biggest technical challenges for future extended human space missions. Microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria can provide astronauts with nutrients, pharmaceuticals, pure oxygen, and bio-based polymers, making them an interesting resource for constructing a circular bioregenerative life support system in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassamo U Mussagy
- Escuela de Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas y de los Alimentos, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Quillota 2260000, Chile.
| | - Jorge F B Pereira
- University of Coimbra, CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pólo II - Pinhal de Marro-cos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adalberto Pessoa
- Department of Pharmaceutical-Biochemical Technology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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7
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Kim S, Park S, Pak JJ. Multi-Modal Multi-Array Electrochemical and Optical Sensor Suite for a Biological CubeSat Payload. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:265. [PMID: 38203127 PMCID: PMC10781281 DOI: 10.3390/s24010265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
CubeSats have emerged as cost-effective platforms for biological research in low Earth orbit (LEO). However, they have traditionally been limited to optical absorbance sensors for studying microbial growth. This work has made improvements to the sensing capabilities of these small satellites by incorporating electrochemical ion-selective pH and pNa sensors with optical absorbance sensors to enrich biological experimentation and greatly expand the capabilities of these payloads. We have designed, built, and tested a multi-modal multi-array electrochemical-optical sensor module and its ancillary systems, including a fluidic card and an on-board payload computer with custom firmware. Laboratory tests showed that the module could endure high flow rates (1 mL/min) without leakage, and the 27-well, 81-electrode sensor card accurately detected pH (71.0 mV/pH), sodium ion concentration (75.2 mV/pNa), and absorbance (0.067 AU), with the sensors demonstrating precise linear responses (R2 ≈ 0.99) in various test solutions. The successful development and integration of this technology conclude that CubeSat bio-payloads are now poised for more complex and detailed investigations of biological phenomena in space, marking a significant enhancement of small-satellite research capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Jungho Pak
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; (S.K.); (S.P.)
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8
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Zhu C, Hu C, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Chi Z. A precise microalgae farming for CO 2 sequestration: A critical review and perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 901:166013. [PMID: 37541491 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae are great candidates for CO2 sequestration and sustainable production of food, feed, fuels and biochemicals. Light intensity, temperature, carbon supply, and cell physiological state are key factors of photosynthesis, and efficient phototrophic production of microalgal biomass occurs only when all these factors are in their optimal range simultaneously. However, this synergistic state is often not achievable due to the ever-changing environmental factors such as sunlight and temperature, which results in serious waste of sunlight energy and other resources, ultimately leading to high production costs. Most control strategies developed thus far in the bioengineering field actually aim to improve heterotrophic processes, but phototrophic processes face a completely different problem. Hence, an alternative control strategy needs to be developed, and precise microalgal cultivation is a promising strategy in which the production resources are precisely supplied according to the dynamic changes in key factors such as sunlight and temperature. In this work, the development and recent progress of precise microalgal phototrophic cultivation are reviewed. The key environmental and cultivation factors and their dynamic effects on microalgal cultivation are analyzed, including microalgal growth, cultivation costs and energy inputs. Future research for the development of more precise microalgae farming is discussed. This study provides new insight into developing cost-effective and efficient microalgae farming for CO2 sequestration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenba Zhu
- Carbon Neutral Innovation Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Marine Carbon Sequestration, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China.
| | - Chen Hu
- College of the Environment and Ecology, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Carbon Neutral Innovation Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yimin Chen
- Environmental and Ecological Engineering Technology Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No.26 Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China.
| | - Zhanyou Chi
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China; Ningbo Institute of Dalian University of Technology, No.26 Yucai Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315016, China.
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9
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De Paepe J, Garcia Gragera D, Arnau Jimenez C, Rabaey K, Vlaeminck SE, Gòdia F. Continuous cultivation of microalgae yields high nutrient recovery from nitrified urine with limited supplementation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 345:118500. [PMID: 37542810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Microalgae can play a key role in the bioeconomy, particularly in combination with the valorisation of waste streams as cultivation media. Urine is an example of a widely available nutrient-rich waste stream, and alkaline stabilization and subsequent full nitrification in a bioreactor yields a stable nitrate-rich solution. In this study, such nitrified urine served as a culture medium for the edible microalga Limnospira indica. In batch cultivation, nitrified urine without additional supplements yielded a lower biomass concentration, nutrient uptake and protein content compared to modified Zarrouk medium, as standard medium. To enhance the nitrogen uptake efficiency and biomass production, nitrified urine was supplemented with potentially limiting elements. Limited amounts of phosphorus (36 mg L-1), magnesium (7.9 mg L-1), calcium (12.2 mg L-1), iron (2.0 mg L-1) and EDTA (88.5 mg Na2-EDTA.2H2O L-1) rendered the nitrified urine matrix as effective as modified Zarrouk medium in terms of biomass production (OD750 of 1.2), nutrient uptake (130 mg N L-1) and protein yield (47%) in batch culture. Urine precipitates formed by alkalinisation could in principle supply enough phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, requiring only external addition of iron, EDTA and inorganic carbon. Subsequently, the suitability of supplemented nitrified urine as a culture medium was confirmed in continuous Limnospira cultivation in a CSTR photobioreactor. This qualifies nitrified urine as a valuable and sustainable microalgae growth medium, thereby creating novel nutrient loops on Earth and in Space, i.e., in regenerative life support systems for human deep-space missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Paepe
- MELiSSA Pilot Plant - Laboratory Claude Chipaux, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET), Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium; Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Belgium; Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - David Garcia Gragera
- MELiSSA Pilot Plant - Laboratory Claude Chipaux, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Arnau Jimenez
- MELiSSA Pilot Plant - Laboratory Claude Chipaux, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Korneel Rabaey
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Belgium
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Centre for Advanced Process Technology for Urban Resource Recovery (CAPTURE), Belgium; Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium.
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- MELiSSA Pilot Plant - Laboratory Claude Chipaux, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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De Micco V, Amitrano C, Mastroleo F, Aronne G, Battistelli A, Carnero-Diaz E, De Pascale S, Detrell G, Dussap CG, Ganigué R, Jakobsen ØM, Poulet L, Van Houdt R, Verseux C, Vlaeminck SE, Willaert R, Leys N. Plant and microbial science and technology as cornerstones to Bioregenerative Life Support Systems in space. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:69. [PMID: 37620398 PMCID: PMC10449850 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica De Micco
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy.
| | - Chiara Amitrano
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Felice Mastroleo
- Microbiology Unit, Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Giovanna Aronne
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Alberto Battistelli
- Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche Viale Marconi 2, 05010, Porano (TR), Italy
| | - Eugenie Carnero-Diaz
- Institute of Systematic, Evolution, Biodiversity, Sorbonne University, National Museum of Natural History, CNRS, EPHE, UA, 45, rue Buffon CP50, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stefania De Pascale
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055, Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Gisela Detrell
- Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 29, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Claude-Gilles Dussap
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ramon Ganigué
- Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Gent, Belgium
| | - Øyvind Mejdell Jakobsen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS), NTNU Social Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Lucie Poulet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont Auvergne INP, CNRS, Institut Pascal, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rob Van Houdt
- Microbiology Unit, Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), University of Bremen, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Siegfried E Vlaeminck
- Research Group of Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology, University of Antwerp, 2020, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ronnie Willaert
- Research Groups NAMI and NANO, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- Microbiology Unit, Nuclear Medical Applications, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400, Mol, Belgium
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11
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Fagliarone C, Mosca C, Di Stefano G, Leuko S, Moeller R, Rabbow E, Rettberg P, Billi D. Enabling deep-space experimentations on cyanobacteria by monitoring cell division resumption in dried Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 with accumulated DNA damage. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1150224. [PMID: 37266021 PMCID: PMC10229888 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1150224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyanobacteria are gaining considerable interest as a method of supporting the long-term presence of humans on the Moon and settlements on Mars due to their ability to produce oxygen and their potential as bio-factories for space biotechnology/synthetic biology and other applications. Since many unknowns remain in our knowledge to bridge the gap and move cyanobacterial bioprocesses from Earth to space, we investigated cell division resumption on the rehydration of dried Chroococcidiopsis sp. CCMEE 029 accumulated DNA damage while exposed to space vacuum, Mars-like conditions, and Fe-ion radiation. Upon rehydration, the monitoring of the ftsZ gene showed that cell division was arrested until DNA damage was repaired, which took 48 h under laboratory conditions. During the recovery, a progressive DNA repair lasting 48 h of rehydration was revealed by PCR-stop assay. This was followed by overexpression of the ftsZ gene, ranging from 7.5- to 9-fold compared to the non-hydrated samples. Knowing the time required for DNA repair and cell division resumption is mandatory for deep-space experiments that are designed to unravel the effects of reduced/microgravity on this process. It is also necessary to meet mission requirements for dried-sample implementation and real-time monitoring upon recovery. Future experiments as part of the lunar exploration mission Artemis and the lunar gateway station will undoubtedly help to move cyanobacterial bioprocesses beyond low Earth orbit. From an astrobiological perspective, these experiments will further our understanding of microbial responses to deep-space conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Mosca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Di Stefano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- PhD Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan Leuko
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Bonn-Rhein-Sieg (BRSU), Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Astrobiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Astrobiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniela Billi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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12
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Averesch NJH, Berliner AJ, Nangle SN, Zezulka S, Vengerova GL, Ho D, Casale CA, Lehner BAE, Snyder JE, Clark KB, Dartnell LR, Criddle CS, Arkin AP. Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration-what to take and when to make. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2311. [PMID: 37085475 PMCID: PMC10121718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As renewed interest in human space-exploration intensifies, a coherent and modernized strategy for mission design and planning has become increasingly crucial. Biotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to increase resilience, flexibility, and efficiency of missions, by virtue of its ability to effectively utilize in situ resources and reclaim resources from waste streams. Here we outline four primary mission-classes on Moon and Mars that drive a staged and accretive biomanufacturing strategy. Each class requires a unique approach to integrate biomanufacturing into the existing mission-architecture and so faces unique challenges in technology development. These challenges stem directly from the resources available in a given mission-class-the degree to which feedstocks are derived from cargo and in situ resources-and the degree to which loop-closure is necessary. As mission duration and distance from Earth increase, the benefits of specialized, sustainable biomanufacturing processes also increase. Consequentially, we define specific design-scenarios and quantify the usefulness of in-space biomanufacturing, to guide techno-economics of space-missions. Especially materials emerged as a potentially pivotal target for biomanufacturing with large impact on up-mass cost. Subsequently, we outline the processes needed for development, testing, and deployment of requisite technologies. As space-related technology development often does, these advancements are likely to have profound implications for the creation of a resilient circular bioeconomy on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils J H Averesch
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, 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, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Shannon N Nangle
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Circe Bioscience Inc., Somerville, MA, USA.
| | - Spencer Zezulka
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Information, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen L Vengerova
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Davian Ho
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Cameran A Casale
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin A E Lehner
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, South Holland, Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin B Clark
- Cures Within Reach, Chicago, IL, USA
- Champions Program, eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE), Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lewis R Dartnell
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Craig S Criddle
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, 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, Berkeley, CA, USA
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13
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Santomartino R, Averesch NJH, Bhuiyan M, Cockell CS, Colangelo J, Gumulya Y, Lehner B, Lopez-Ayala I, McMahon S, Mohanty A, Santa Maria SR, Urbaniak C, Volger R, Yang J, Zea L. Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1391. [PMID: 36944638 PMCID: PMC10030976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding sustainable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources is of pivotal importance for the future of space exploration. This is relevant not only to establish viable space exploration beyond low Earth-orbit, but also for ethical considerations associated with the generation of space waste and the preservation of extra-terrestrial environments. Here we propose and highlight a series of microbial biotechnologies uniquely suited to establish sustainable processes for in situ resource utilization and loop-closure. Microbial biotechnologies research and development for space sustainability will be translatable to Earth applications, tackling terrestrial environmental issues, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Nils J H Averesch
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Yosephine Gumulya
- Centre for Microbiome Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Sean McMahon
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anurup Mohanty
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Ave, Floor 1, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- Space Biosciences, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA, USA
- KBR, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA
| | - Rik Volger
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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14
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Wang SY, Li X, Wang SG, Xia PF. Base editing for reprogramming cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Metab Eng 2023; 75:91-99. [PMID: 36403709 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyanobacteria can directly convert carbon dioxide (CO2) at the atmospheric level to biofuels, value-added chemicals and food products, making them ideal candidates to alleviate global climate change. Despite decades-long pioneering successes, the development of genome-editing tools, especially the CRISPR-Cas-based approaches, seems to lag behind other microbial chassis, slowing down the innovations of cyanobacteria. Here, we adapted and tailored base editing for cyanobacteria based on the CRISPR-Cas system and deamination. We achieved precise and efficient genome editing at a single-nucleotide resolution and demonstrated multiplex base editing in the model cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. By using the base-editing tool, we successfully manipulated the glycogen metabolic pathway via the introduction of premature STOP codons in the relevant genes, building engineered strains with elevated potentials to produce chemicals and food from CO2. We present here the first report of base editing in the phylum of cyanobacteria, and a paradigm for applying CRISPR-Cas systems in bacteria. We believe that our work will accelerate the metabolic engineering and synthetic biology of cyanobacteria and drive more innovations to alleviate global climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yan Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Xin Li
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Shu-Guang Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China; Sino-French Research Institute for Ecology and Environment, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Peng-Fei Xia
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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15
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Mandal S, Nagi GK, Corcoran AA, Agrawal R, Dubey M, Hunt RW. Algal polysaccharides for 3D printing: A review. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 300:120267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Selection of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938 as a Cyanobacterium Model for Biological ISRU on Mars. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0059422. [PMID: 35862672 PMCID: PMC9361815 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00594-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Crewed missions to Mars are expected to take place in the coming decades. After short-term stays, a permanent presence will be desirable to enable a wealth of scientific discoveries. This will require providing crews with life-support consumables in amounts that are too large to be imported from Earth. Part of these consumables could be produced on site with bioprocesses, but the feedstock should not have to be imported. A solution under consideration lies in using diazotrophic, rock-weathering cyanobacteria as primary producers: fed with materials naturally available on site, they would provide the nutrients required by other organisms. This concept has recently gained momentum but progress is slowed by a lack of consistency across contributing teams, and notably of a shared model organism. With the hope to address this issue, we present the work performed to select our current model. We started with preselected strains from the Nostocaceae family. After sequencing the genome of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938-the only one not yet available-we compared the strains' genomic data to determine their relatedness and provide insights into their physiology. We then assessed and compared relevant features: chiefly, their abilities to utilize nutrients from Martian regolith, their resistance to perchlorates (toxic compounds present in the regolith), and their suitability as feedstock for secondary producers (here a heterotrophic bacterium and a higher plant). This led to the selection of Anabaena sp. PCC 7938, which we propose as a model cyanobacterium for the development of bioprocesses based on Mars's natural resources. IMPORTANCE The sustainability of crewed missions to Mars could be increased by biotechnologies which are connected to resources available on site via primary producers: diazotrophic, rock-leaching cyanobacteria. Indeed, this could greatly reduce the mass of payloads to be imported from Earth. The concept is gaining momentum but progress is hindered by a lack of consistency across research teams. We consequently describe the selection process that led to the choice of our model strain, demonstrate its relevance to the field, and propose it as a shared model organism. We expect this contribution to support the development of cyanobacterium-based biotechnologies on Mars.
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Trends on CO2 Capture with Microalgae: A Bibliometric Analysis. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154669. [PMID: 35897845 PMCID: PMC9331766 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The alarming levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) are an environmental problem that affects the economic growth of the world. CO2 emissions represent penalties and restrictions due to the high carbon footprint. Therefore, sustainable strategies are required to reduce the negative impact that occurs. Among the potential systems for CO2 capture are microalgae. These are defined as photosynthetic microorganisms that use CO2 and sunlight to obtain oxygen (O2) and generate value-added products such as biofuels, among others. Despite the advantages that microalgae may present, there are still technical–economic challenges that limit industrial-scale commercialization and the use of biomass in the production of added-value compounds. Therefore, this study reviews the current state of research on CO2 capture with microalgae, for which bibliometric analysis was used to establish the trends of the subject in terms of scientometric parameters. Technological advances in the use of microalgal biomass were also identified. Additionally, it was possible to establish the different cooperation networks between countries, which showed interactions in the search to reduce CO2 concentrations through microalgae.
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