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Ding J, Xu Y, Tan J, Zhang H, Xiong X, Mei C, Li M, Xie G. How to make lunar soil suitable for cultivation? - A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174603. [PMID: 39002579 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
The investigation of lunar soil encompasses extensive periods, employs many improvement methods, and has generated several simulants. The improvement of lunar soil has recently garnered growing interest as an aspect of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) for regolith. It is crucial to clarify the challenges of utilizing lunar soil as a planting substrate to develop more effective techniques. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of research on improving lunar soil properties, highlights the disparities in mineral composition between real lunar soil (also called regolith) and simulated lunar soil, then details their deficiencies as planting substrates. Following an investigation of existing improvement methods, a dilemma of metals、salt precipitation and high pH caused by adding organic matter alone was noted, while the function of microbes (bacteria, algae, and lichens) in improvement processes was assessed. Finally, we present a perspective on future the lunar soil plantable research development based on the Bioregenerative Life Support System (BLSS). This review aims to promote the engineering application of lunar soil improvements and sustainable development. We hope that one day, regolith will enable plants to flourish on the Moon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghang Ding
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Yuxuan Xu
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jungang Tan
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Xin Xiong
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Chuang Mei
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Mingjie Li
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Gengxin Xie
- Center of Space Exploration, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China; College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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Tarasashvili MV, Elbakidze K, Doborjginidze ND, Gharibashvili ND. Carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation in AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) by cyanobacteria. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2023; 37:65-77. [PMID: 37087180 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2023.03.002] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This article describes experiments performed to study the survival, growth, specific adaptations and bioremediation potential of certain extreme cyanobacteria strains within a simulation of the atmospheric composition, temperature and pressure expected in a future Martian greenhouse. Initial species have been obtained from Mars-analogue sites in Georgia. The results clearly demonstrate that specific biochemical adaptations allow these autotrophs to metabolize within AMG (Artificial Martian Ground) and accumulate biogenic carbon and nitrogen. These findings may thus contribute to the development of future Martian agriculture, as well as other aspects of the life-support systems at habitable Mars stations. The study shows that carbonate precipitation and nitrogen fixation, performed by cyanobacterial communities thriving within the simulated Martian greenhouse conditions, are cross-linked biological processes. At the same time, the presence of the perchlorates (at low concentrations) in the Martian ground may serve as the initial source of oxygen and, indirectly, hydrogen via photo-Fenton reactions. Various carbonates, ammonium and nitrate salts were obtained as the result of these experiments. These affect the pH, salinity and solubility of the AMG and its components, and so the AMG's scanty biogenic properties improved, which is essential for the sustainable growth of the agricultural crops. Therefore, the use of microorganisms for the biological remediation and continuous in situ fertilization of Artificial Martian Ground is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Tarasashvili
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia.
| | - Kh Elbakidze
- BTU - Business and Technology University, 82 Ilia Chavchavadze Avenue, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Doborjginidze
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - N D Gharibashvili
- GSRA - Georgian Space Research Agency, 4 Vasil Petriashvili Street, 0179, Tbilisi, Georgia; SpaceFarms Ltd, 14 Kostava Street, 0108, Tbilisi, Georgia
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Naz N, Liu D, Harandi BF, Kounaves SP. Microbial Growth in Martian Soil Simulants Under Terrestrial Conditions: Guiding the Search for Life on Mars. ASTROBIOLOGY 2022; 22:1210-1221. [PMID: 36000998 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The search for life elsewhere in the Universe goes together with the search for liquid water. Life as we know it requires water; however, it is possible for microbial life to exist under hyperarid conditions with a minimal amount of water. We report on the ability of two typical terrestrial bacteria (Escherichia coli B and Eucapsis sp) and two extremophiles (Gloeocapsa-20201027-1 sp and Planococcus halocryophilus) to grow and survive in three martian soil (regolith) simulants (Mohave Mars Simulant-1 [MMS-1] F, Mars Global Simulant-1 [MGS-1], and JSC Mars-1A [JSC]). Survival and growth were assessed over a 21-day period under terrestrial conditions and with water:soil (vol:wt) ratios that varied from 0.25:1 to 5:1. We found that Eucapsis and Gloeocapsa sp grew best in the simulants MMS and JSC, respectively, while P. halocryophilus growth rates were better in the JSC simulant. As expected, E. coli did not show significant growth. Our results indicate that these martian simulants and thus martian regolith, with minimal or no added nutrients or water, can support the growth of extremophiles such as P. halocryphilus and Gloeocapsa. Similar extremophiles on early Mars may have survived to the present in near-surface ecological niches analogous to those where these organisms exist on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neveda Naz
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dongyu Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bijan F Harandi
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samuel P Kounaves
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA
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Mapstone LJ, Leite MN, Purton S, Crawford IA, Dartnell L. Cyanobacteria and microalgae in supporting human habitation on Mars. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 59:107946. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Talluri SNL, Winter RM, Salem DR. Nanoscale characteristics of conditioning film development on photobioreactor materials: influence on the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by a cyanobacterium. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:777-790. [PMID: 34455869 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1971201] [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: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Adsorption of conditioning films on a solid surface is the first step in the development of biofilms. With the goal of understanding the preliminary adhesion mechanisms of cyanobacteria on photobioreactor (PBR) materials to prevent biofouling, the physical changes occurring on PBR materials were investigated during the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a cyanobacterium that is genetically modified to produce linalool. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the conditioning film deposition was in the form of spike-like structures on all the materials except PVC. The average heights (in the range 9 - 16 nm) of the conditioning films deposited on glass, PMMA, PC and HDPE were 11 to 20 times higher than on PVC at 96 h. The time dependent change in thickness of conditioning films correlated well with Anabaena cell attachment to the PBR materials. The rapid and significant colonization of Anabaena on glass within 48 h was consistent with the increase in thickness of the conditioning film within this time period. Lack of the conditioning film spike structures and no change in thickness of the conditioning films with time on the PVC together with comparatively delayed cell attachment and conditioning-film protein deposition on this material, indicated that the nanoscale spike structures on the other PBR materials may be accelerating the cell attachment process but are not a prerequisite for cell attachment. These results suggest that PVC should be explored further as an antifouling material for photobioreactors. The thickness of the conditioning films on glass measured by a scratch and scan method was in good agreement with the thickness values measured by an adhesive tape method, indicating that both these methods can be used for fast and reliable AFM thickness determination of bacterial conditioning films.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna N L Talluri
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing - Biomaterials Center (CNAM-Bio), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Robb M Winter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composites and Polymer Engineering Laboratory, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - David R Salem
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composites and Polymer Engineering Laboratory, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing - Biomaterials Center (CNAM-Bio), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
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Dineshbabu G, Uma VS, Mathimani T, Prabaharan D, Uma L. Elevated CO2 impact on growth and lipid of marine cyanobacterium Phormidium valderianum BDU 20041– towards microalgal carbon sequestration. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2020.101606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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7
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Talluri SNL, Winter RM, Salem DR. Conditioning film formation and its influence on the initial adhesion and biofilm formation by a cyanobacterium on photobioreactor materials. BIOFOULING 2020; 36:183-199. [PMID: 32281883 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2020.1748186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although cyanobacteria are a common group of microorganisms well-suited to utilization in photobioreactors (PBRs), studies of cyanobacteria fouling and its prevention are scarce. Using a cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, which had been genetically modified to enhance linalool production, the formation of conditioning films and the effects of these on the physico-chemical surface properties of various PBR materials during initial adhesion and biofilm formation were investigated. The adhesion assay revealed that the overall attachment of Anabaena was substratum dependent and no correlation between the hydrophobicity/roughness of clean material and cell attachment was found. Surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of all the materials changed within 12 h due to formation of conditioning films. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed that the fractional change in protein deposition between 12 to 96 h was consistent with Anabaena cell attachment but polysaccharide deposition was material specific and did not correlate with cell attachment on the PBR materials. Also, the delay in conditioning film proteins on PVC and PTFE indicated that components other than proteins may be responsible for the decrease in contact angles on these surfaces within 12 h. This indicates the important role of the chemical nature of adsorbed conditioning films in determining the initial attachment of Anabaena to PBR materials. The lower rate of attachment of Anabaena on the hydrophilic surfaces (glass and PMMA) between 72 h to 96 h (regime 3) showed that these surfaces could potentially have low fouling characteristics at extended time scales and should be considered for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna N L Talluri
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Robb M Winter
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - David R Salem
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composites and Polymer Engineering Laboratory, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
- Composite and Nanocomposite Advanced Manufacturing - Biomaterials Center (CNAM-Bio), South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD, USA
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Bose A, Lin R, Rajendran K, O'Shea R, Xia A, Murphy JD. How to optimise photosynthetic biogas upgrading: a perspective on system design and microalgae selection. Biotechnol Adv 2019; 37:107444. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.107444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Symes E, van Ogtrop FF. The effect of pre-industrial and predicted atmospheric CO 2 concentrations on the development of diazotrophic and non-diazotrophic cyanobacterium: Dolichospermum circinale and Microcystis aeruginosa. HARMFUL ALGAE 2019; 88:101536. [PMID: 31582161 DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Photoautotrophs are capable of consuming high quantities of CO2, yet scant research exists examining the influence of different CO2 concentrations on the growth of freshwater diazotrophic or non-diazotrophic cyanobacteria. In this study, we cultured two cyanobacteria taxa (Dolichospermum circinale and Microcystis aeruginosa) within controlled atmospheric CO2 chambers at pre-industrial, and post-industrial concentrations. Biovolume and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) differed as a consequence of the adjusted CO2 gradients. Significantly higher biovolume measurements were observed in the elevated CO2 treatment for the diazotrophic species in the initial experiment. However, a follow-up experiment, with a corrected culture replenishment regime showed Chl-a measurements were greater for the diazotrophic and non-diazotrophic species in the elevated CO2 treatment. Increasing CO2 presents a risk to already compromised eutrophic and hyper-eutrophic ecosystems, and we reason increasing CO2 concentrations could affect photosynthetic performance and CO2 assimilation of surface dwelling cyanobacteria. Further experimental work is required to establish ecological thresholds for freshwater ecosystems, as pH levels showed a measurable reduction within the elevated CO2 treatments. As cyanobacteria species may respond quite differently to future CO2 concentrations similar comparative studies should be carried out that focus on CO2 dynamics and pH. The findings of the study indicate diazotrophic cyanobacteria growth in particular may benefit from elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Symes
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney, Biomedical Building, 1 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh NSW, Australia
| | - Floris F van Ogtrop
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Sydney, Biomedical Building, 1 Central Avenue, Australian Technology Park, Eveleigh NSW, Australia.
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Herrmann AJ, Gehringer MM. An investigation into the effects of increasing salinity on photosynthesis in freshwater unicellular cyanobacteria during the late Archaean. GEOBIOLOGY 2019; 17:343-359. [PMID: 30874335 DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The oldest species of bacteria capable of oxygenic photosynthesis today are the freshwater Cyanobacteria Gloeobacter spp., belonging to the class Oxyphotobacteria. Several modern molecular evolutionary studies support the freshwater origin of cyanobacteria during the Archaean and their subsequent acquisition of salt tolerance mechanisms necessary for their expansion into the marine environment. This study investigated the effect of a sudden washout event from a freshwater location into either a brackish or marine environment on the photosynthetic efficiency of two unicellular freshwater cyanobacteria: the salt-tolerant Chroococcidiopsis thermalis PCC7203 and the cyanobacterial phylogenetic root species, Gloeobacter violaceus PCC7421. Strains were cultured under present atmospheric levels (PAL) of CO2 or an atmosphere containing elevated levels of CO2 and reduced O2 (eCO2 rO2 ) in simulated shallow water or terrestrial environmental conditions. Both strains exhibited a reduction in growth rates and gross photosynthesis, accompanied by significant reductions in chlorophyll a content, in brackish water, with only C. thermalis able to grow at marine salinity levels. While the experimental atmosphere caused a significant increase in gross photosynthesis rates in both strains, it did not increase their growth rates, nor the amount of O2 released. The differences in growth responses to increasing salinities could be attributed to genetic differences, with C. thermalis carrying additional genes for trehalose synthesis. This study demonstrates that, if cyanobacteria did evolve in a freshwater environment, they would have been capable of withstanding a sudden washout into increasingly saline environments. Both C. thermalis and G. violaceus continued to grow and photosynthesise, albeit at diminished rates, in brackish water, thereby providing a route for the evolution of open ocean-dwelling strains, necessary for the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achim J Herrmann
- Department of Microbiology, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Michelle M Gehringer
- Department of Microbiology, Technical University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
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11
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Contaminations in mass cultivation of cyanobacteria: Highly resilient Colpoda steinii leads to rapid crash of Synechocystis sp. cultures and is inhibited by partially anoxic conditions. ALGAL RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Anderson LE, Krkošek WH, Stoddart AK, Trueman BF, Gagnon GA. Lake Recovery Through Reduced Sulfate Deposition: A New Paradigm for Drinking Water Treatment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:1414-1422. [PMID: 28030768 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b04889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study examined sulfate deposition in Nova Scotia from 1999 to 2015, and its association with increased pH and organic matter in two protected surface water supplies (Pockwock Lake and Lake Major) located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The study also examined the effect of lake water chemistry on drinking water treatment processes. Sulfate deposition in the region decreased by 68%, whereas pH increased by 0.1-0.4 units over the 16-year period. Average monthly color concentrations in Pockwock Lake and Lake Major increased by 1.7 and 3.8×, respectively. Accordingly, the coagulant demand increased by 1.5 and 3.8× for the water treatment plants supplied by Pockwock Lake and Lake Major. Not only was this coagulant increase costly for the utility, it also resulted in compromised filter performance, particularly for the direct-biofiltration plant supplied by Pockwock Lake that was found to already be operating at the upper limit of the recommended direct filtration thresholds for color, total organic carbon and coagulant dose. Additionally, in 2012-2013 geosmin occurred in Pockwock Lake, which could have been attributed to reduced sulfate deposition as increases in pH favor more diverse cyanobacteria populations. Overall, this study demonstrated the impact that ambient air quality can have on drinking water supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E Anderson
- Department of Civil & Resource Engineering Dalhousie University Office D-514, 1360 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Wendy H Krkošek
- Halifax Water, 450 Cowie Hill Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3P 2V3
| | - Amina K Stoddart
- Department of Civil & Resource Engineering Dalhousie University Office D-514, 1360 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Benjamin F Trueman
- Department of Civil & Resource Engineering Dalhousie University Office D-514, 1360 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2
| | - Graham A Gagnon
- Department of Civil & Resource Engineering Dalhousie University Office D-514, 1360 Barrington Street Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2
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Watanabe K, Fujii K. Isolation of high-level-CO 2 -preferring Picochlorum sp. strains and their biotechnological potential. ALGAL RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2016.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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14
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Murukesan G, Leino H, Mäenpää P, Ståhle K, Raksajit W, Lehto HJ, Allahverdiyeva-Rinne Y, Lehto K. Pressurized Martian-Like Pure CO2 Atmosphere Supports Strong Growth of Cyanobacteria, and Causes Significant Changes in their Metabolism. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2015; 46:119-31. [PMID: 26294358 PMCID: PMC4679102 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-015-9458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Surviving of crews during future missions to Mars will depend on reliable and adequate supplies of essential life support materials, i.e. oxygen, food, clean water, and fuel. The most economical and sustainable (and in long term, the only viable) way to provide these supplies on Martian bases is via bio-regenerative systems, by using local resources to drive oxygenic photosynthesis. Selected cyanobacteria, grown in adequately protective containment could serve as pioneer species to produce life sustaining substrates for higher organisms. The very high (95.3 %) CO2 content in Martian atmosphere would provide an abundant carbon source for photo-assimilation, but nitrogen would be a strongly limiting substrate for bio-assimilation in this environment, and would need to be supplemented by nitrogen fertilizing. The very high supply of carbon, with rate-limiting supply of nitrogen strongly affects the growth and the metabolic pathways of the photosynthetic organisms. Here we show that modified, Martian-like atmospheric composition (nearly 100 % CO2) under various low pressure conditions (starting from 50 mbar to maintain liquid water, up to 200 mbars) supports strong cellular growth. Under high CO2 / low N2 ratio the filamentous cyanobacteria produce significant amount of H2 during light due to differentiation of high amount of heterocysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Murukesan
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hannu Leino
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pirkko Mäenpää
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Kurt Ståhle
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wuttinun Raksajit
- Centre of Integrated Bioscience for Animal Health and Alternative Energy, Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Harry J Lehto
- Tuorla Observatory, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, Piikkiö, Finland
| | | | - Kirsi Lehto
- Laboratory of Molecular Plant Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Installing extra bicarbonate transporters in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 enhances biomass production. Metab Eng 2015; 29:76-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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16
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Li SS, Yong JR, Qi YL, Zhang Y, Zhao L, Xia SL, Li D, Wang HL, Bao QY, Li PZ. [Functional analysis of promoter fragments of salt-tolerance related genes in Spirulina]. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2011; 33:1134-1140. [PMID: 21993288 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2011.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this work, the functions of promoter fragments of two potential salt-tolerance related genes of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis Geitl.) were studied using green fluorescent protein gene (gfp) as a reporter. The promoter structures of two salt-tolerance related genes of Spirulina were predicted using online promoter prediction software. pMD18-T and pUC18 vectors were used to clone the promoter sequences as well as the gfp gene and kanamycine resistance (kan) gene. The fragments containing pro-gfp-kanr were further cloned into pKW1188 vector and the resulting recombinant plasmids were then transformed into a host strain Synechocystis sp. (Synechocystis pevalekii Ercegovic) PCC6803. The resulting bacterial strains were grown under various concentrations of salinity for defining time intervals. The bacterial fluorescence was observed using laser confocal microscope. Our results showed that the transgenic bacteria grown at different concentrations of salinity for various periods produced varying fluorescence intensities. The bacteria treated with NaCl at the concentrations of 0.4mol/L to 0.6mol/L for 6 to 8 h showed the strongest fluorescent intensity. From the result of high salt induced expression of gfp, we predicted that the genes under control of these two promoters are likely to play important roles in the salt tolerance of Spirulina. Accordingly, we believed that a research platform for the studying functions of the promoters of the salt-tolerance related genes in Spirulina has been developed with the gfp as a reporter, the kanr gene as the selection marker, and Synechocystis. sp. PCC6803 as the expression host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Li
- School of Labtory and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, China.
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Lehto KM, Lehto HJ, Kanervo EA. Suitability of different photosynthetic organisms for an extraterrestrial biological life support system. Res Microbiol 2005; 157:69-76. [PMID: 16439102 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2005.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2005] [Revised: 07/13/2005] [Accepted: 07/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In the present era of intensive space and planetary research, efficient life support systems (LSSs) are needed to maintain suitable living conditions when humans move into space, i.e. away from the Earth's atmosphere. Thus far, such suitable conditions on various space flights and on the space stations (Mir and the International Space Station) have been maintained solely via physical and chemical means (transport of O2, H2O and food from the Earth, cleaning and recycling of air and water). However, for long-duration missions to distant destinations, such as exploratory missions to Mars, biological life support systems (BLSSs) may be needed to convert local CO2 and H2O to O2, and to food. As on earth, this conversion process would need to be based on photosynthesis. Use of higher plants and microalgae as BLSS organisms has been intensively studied. Here we review the growth requirements of these two types of photosynthetic organisms, with particular attention to their suitability for use in harsh Martian conditions, i.e. low temperatures, low atmospheric pressure, high CO2 concentration, high UV radiation and dryness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi M Lehto
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, 20014 University of Turku, Finland.
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Thomas DJ, Herbert SK. An inexpensive apparatus for growing photosynthetic microorganisms in exotic atmospheres. ASTROBIOLOGY 2005; 5:75-82. [PMID: 15711171 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2005.5.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Given the need for a light source, cyanobacteria and other photosynthetic microorganisms can be difficult and expensive to grow in large quantities. Lighted growth chambers and incubators typically cost 50-100% more than standard microbiological incubators. Self-shading of cells in liquid cultures prevents the growth of dense suspensions. Growing liquid cultures on a shaker table or lighted shaker incubator achieves greater cell densities, but adds considerably to the cost. For experiments in which gases other than air are required, the cost for conventional incubators increases even more. We describe an apparatus for growing photosynthetic organisms in exotic atmospheres that can be built relatively inexpensively (approximately 100 dollars U.S.) using parts available from typical hardware or department stores (e.g., Wal-mart or K-mart). The apparatus uses microfiltered air (or other gases) to aerate, agitate, and mix liquid cultures, thus achieving very high cell densities (A750 > 3). Because gases are delivered to individual culture tubes, a variety of gas mixes can be used without the need for enclosed chambers. The apparatus works with liquid cultures of unicellular and filamentous species, and also works with agar slants.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Thomas
- Science Division, Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas 27501, USA.
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