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Nardi L, Davis NM, Sansolini S, Baratto de Albuquerque T, Laarraj M, Caputo D, de Cesare G, Shariati Pour SR, Zangheri M, Calabria D, Guardigli M, Balsamo M, Carrubba E, Carubia F, Ceccarelli M, Ghiozzi M, Popova L, Tenaglia A, Crisconio M, Donati A, Nascetti A, Mirasoli M. APHRODITE: A Compact Lab-on-Chip Biosensor for the Real-Time Analysis of Salivary Biomarkers in Space Missions. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:72. [PMID: 38391991 PMCID: PMC10887022 DOI: 10.3390/bios14020072] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
One of the main challenges to be faced in deep space missions is to protect the health and ensure the maximum efficiency of the crew by preparing methods of prevention and in situ diagnosis. Indeed, the hostile environment causes important health problems, ranging from muscle atrophy, osteopenia, and immunological and metabolic alterations due to microgravity, to an increased risk of cancer caused by exposure to radiation. It is, therefore, necessary to provide new methods for the real-time measurement of biomarkers suitable for deepening our knowledge of the effects of space flight on the balance of the immune system and for allowing the monitoring of the astronaut's health during long-term missions. APHRODITE will enable human space exploration because it fills this void that affects both missions in LEO and future missions to the Moon and Mars. Its scientific objectives are the design, production, testing, and in-orbit demonstration of a compact, reusable, and reconfigurable system for performing the real-time analysis of oral fluid samples in manned space missions. In the frame of this project, a crew member onboard the ISS will employ APHRODITE to measure the selected target analytes, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), in oral fluid, in four (plus one additional desired session) separate experiment sessions. The paper addresses the design of the main subsystems of the analytical device and the preliminary results obtained during the first implementations of the device subsystems and testing measurements on Earth. In particular, the system design and the experiment data output of the lab-on-chip photosensors and of the front-end readout electronics are reported in detail along with preliminary chemical tests for the duplex competitive CL-immunoassay for the simultaneous detection of cortisol and DHEA-S. Different applications also on Earth are envisaged for the APHRODITE device, as it will be suitable for point-of-care testing applications (e.g., emergency medicine, bioterrorism, diagnostics in developing countries, etc.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Nardi
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Nithin Maipan Davis
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Serena Sansolini
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Thiago Baratto de Albuquerque
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Mohcine Laarraj
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Domenico Caputo
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (G.d.C.)
| | - Giampiero de Cesare
- Department of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, I-00184 Rome, Italy; (D.C.); (G.d.C.)
| | - Seyedeh Rojin Shariati Pour
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Zangheri
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Donato Calabria
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, I-40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (M.G.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Massimo Guardigli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, I-40126 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (M.G.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
| | - Michele Balsamo
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Elisa Carrubba
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Fabrizio Carubia
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Marco Ceccarelli
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Michele Ghiozzi
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Liyana Popova
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Andrea Tenaglia
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Marino Crisconio
- Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI), Italian Space Agency, Via del Politecnico, I-00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Donati
- Kayser Italy S.r.l. Unipersonale, Via di Popogna 501, I-57128 Livorno, Italy; (M.B.); (E.C.); (F.C.); (M.C.); (M.G.); (L.P.); (A.T.); (A.D.)
| | - Augusto Nascetti
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Salaria 851, I-00138 Rome, Italy; (N.M.D.); (S.S.); (T.B.d.A.); (M.L.); (A.N.)
| | - Mara Mirasoli
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Tecnopolo di Rimini, Via Dario Campana 71, I-47922 Rimini, Italy; (S.R.S.P.); (M.Z.); (M.M.)
- Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Aerospace Research (CIRI AEROSPACE), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, Via Baldassarre Canaccini 12, I-47121 Forlì, Italy
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2
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Mikucki JA, Schuler CG, Digel I, Kowalski J, Tuttle MJ, Chua M, Davis R, Purcell AM, Ghosh D, Francke G, Feldmann M, Espe C, Heinen D, Dachwald B, Clemens J, Lyons WB, Tulaczyk S. Field-Based Planetary Protection Operations for Melt Probes: Validation of Clean Access into the Blood Falls, Antarctica, Englacial Ecosystem. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1165-1178. [PMID: 37962840 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2021.0102] [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: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Subglacial environments on Earth offer important analogs to Ocean World targets in our solar system. These unique microbial ecosystems remain understudied due to the challenges of access through thick glacial ice (tens to hundreds of meters). Additionally, sub-ice collections must be conducted in a clean manner to ensure sample integrity for downstream microbiological and geochemical analyses. We describe the field-based cleaning of a melt probe that was used to collect brine samples from within a glacier conduit at Blood Falls, Antarctica, for geomicrobiological studies. We used a thermoelectric melting probe called the IceMole that was designed to be minimally invasive in that the logistical requirements in support of drilling operations were small and the probe could be cleaned, even in a remote field setting, so as to minimize potential contamination. In our study, the exterior bioburden on the IceMole was reduced to levels measured in most clean rooms, and below that of the ice surrounding our sampling target. Potential microbial contaminants were identified during the cleaning process; however, very few were detected in the final englacial sample collected with the IceMole and were present in extremely low abundances (∼0.063% of 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequences). This cleaning protocol can help minimize contamination when working in remote field locations, support microbiological sampling of terrestrial subglacial environments using melting probes, and help inform planetary protection challenges for Ocean World analog mission concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Mikucki
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - C G Schuler
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - I Digel
- FH Aachen - Campus Jülich, Institute of Bioengineering, Julich, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - J Kowalski
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - M J Tuttle
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - M Chua
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - R Davis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - A M Purcell
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - D Ghosh
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - G Francke
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - M Feldmann
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - C Espe
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - D Heinen
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - B Dachwald
- RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, North Rhine-Westfalia, Germany
| | - J Clemens
- University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - W B Lyons
- The Ohio State University, Byrd Polar Research Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - S Tulaczyk
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California, USA
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Outstanding Contributions of LAL Technology to Pharmaceutical and Medical Science: Review of Methods, Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives in Early Detection and Management of Bacterial Infections and Invasive Fungal Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9050536. [PMID: 34064994 PMCID: PMC8150811 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9050536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blue blood of the horseshoe crab is a natural, irreplaceable, and precious resource that is highly valued by the biomedical industry. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) obtained from horseshoe crab blood cells functions as a surprisingly sophisticated sensing system that allows for the extremely sensitive detection of bacterial and fungal cell-wall components. Notably, LAL tests have markedly contributed to the quality control of pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices as successful alternatives to the rabbit pyrogen test. Furthermore, LAL-based endotoxin and (1→3)-β-D-glucan (β-glucan) assay techniques are expected to have optimal use as effective biomarkers, serving as adjuncts in the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis and fungal infections. The innovative β-glucan assay has substantially contributed to the early diagnosis and management of invasive fungal diseases; however, the clinical significance of the endotoxin assay remains unclear and is challenging to elucidate. Many obstacles need to be overcome to enhance the analytical sensitivity and clinical performance of the LAL assay in detecting circulating levels of endotoxin in human blood. Additionally, there are complex interactions between endotoxin molecules and blood components that are attributable to the unique physicochemical properties of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this regard, while exploring the potential of new LPS-sensing technologies, a novel platform for the ultrasensitive detection of blood endotoxin will enable a reappraisal of the LAL assay for the highly sensitive and reliable detection of endotoxemia.
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Przystupski D, Górska A, Michel O, Podwin A, Śniadek P, Łapczyński R, Saczko J, Kulbacka J. Testing Lab-on-a-Chip Technology for Culturing Human Melanoma Cells under Simulated Microgravity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:402. [PMID: 33499085 PMCID: PMC7866167 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic development of the space industry makes space flights more accessible and opens up new opportunities for biological research to better understand cell physiology under real microgravity. Whereas specialized studies in space remain out of our reach, preliminary experiments can be performed on Earth under simulated microgravity (sµg). Based on this concept, we used a 3D-clinostat (3D-C) to analyze the effect of short exposure to sµg on human keratinocytes HaCaT and melanoma cells A375 cultured on all-glass Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC). Our preliminary studies included viability evaluation, mitochondrial and caspase activity, and proliferation assay, enabling us to determine the effect of sµg on human cells. By comparing the results concerning cells cultured on LOCs and standard culture dishes, we were able to confirm the biocompatibility of all-glass LOCs and their potential application in microgravity research on selected human cell lines. Our studies revealed that HaCaT and A375 cells are susceptible to simulated microgravity; however, we observed an increased caspase activity and a decrease of proliferation in cancer cells cultured on LOCs in comparison to standard cell cultures. These results are an excellent basis to conduct further research on the possible application of LOCs systems in cancer research in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Przystupski
- Department of Paediatric Bone Marrow Transplantation, Oncology and Haematology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Agata Górska
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Michel
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Podwin
- Faculty of Microsystem Electronics and Photonics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; (A.P.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Patrycja Śniadek
- Faculty of Microsystem Electronics and Photonics, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland; (A.P.); (P.Ś.)
| | | | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.G.); (J.S.); (J.K.)
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Xin CX, Lodhi AF, Qu X, Shakir Y, Deng YL, Zhang Y. Evaluating Quantitative Measures of Microbial Contamination from China's Spacecraft Materials. ASTROBIOLOGY 2020; 20:1014-1023. [PMID: 32783565 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2019.2070] [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: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Different methods are used for the quantification of microbial load on spacecrafts. Here, we investigated a number of methodologies currently in use with the intent to identify the most accurate methods for the quantification of microbes on low-biomass metal surfaces such as those used in China's Space Station. In a previous study, we observed a high abundance of Bacillus sp. TJ 1-1 on interior surfaces of China's Space Station, and we therefore undertook this study in which we used a range of 102 to 109 cells/100 cm2 of this strain for setting different contamination levels. Four of the most common analytical approaches (contact plate, spread plate, quantitative PCR, and BacLight™) were used to quantify the number of viable microbial cells associated with the materials of China's Space Station. Results show that, for 102 cells/100 cm2, the contact plate method is the most convenient and reliable. For microbial contamination levels ≥103 cells/100 cm2 and a sampling area of 121 cm2, the BacLight method proved to be most reliable for the detection of live cells. Moreover, a sampling area of 121 cm2 was found to be the most suitable for analysis of metal surfaces for space station interiors, which are usually low in biomass. These results establish suitable sampling and processing methodologies for microbial enumeration of metal surfaces on China's Space Station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Xin Xin
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Adil Farooq Lodhi
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Xi Qu
- Institute of Manned Space System Engineering, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yasmeen Shakir
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Yu-Lin Deng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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Zhang Y, Zhang LT, Li ZD, Xin CX, Li XQ, Wang X, Deng YL. Microbiomes of China's Space Station During Assembly, Integration, and Test Operations. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2019; 78:631-650. [PMID: 30809693 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Sufficient evidence indicates that orbiting space stations contain diverse microbial populations, which may threaten astronaut health and equipment reliability. Understanding the composition of microbial communities in space stations will facilitate further development of targeted biological safety prevention and maintenance practices. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the microbial community of China's Space Station (CSS). Air and surface samples from 46 sites on the CSS and Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) center were collected, from which 40 bacteria strains were isolated and identified. Most isolates were cold- and desiccation-resistant and adapted to oligotrophic conditions. Bacillus was the dominant bacterial genus detected by both cultivation-based and Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing methods. Microbial contamination on the CSS was correlated with encapsulation staff activities. Analysis by spread plate and qPCR revealed that the CSS surface contained 2.24 × 103-5.47 × 103 CFU/100 cm2 culturable bacteria and 9.32 × 105-5.64 × 106 16S rRNA gene copies/100cm2; BacLight™ analysis revealed that the viable/total bacterial cell ratio was 1.98-13.28%. This is the first study to provide important systematic insights into the microbiome of the CSS during assembly that describes the pre-launch microbial diversity of the space station. Our findings revealed the following. (1) Bacillus strains and staff activities should be considered major concerns for future biological safety. (2) Autotrophic and multi-resistant microbial communities were widespread in the AIT environment. Although harsh cleaning methods reduced the number of microorganisms, stress-resistant strains were not completely removed. (3) Sampling, storage and analytical methods for the space station were thoroughly optimized, and are expected to be applicable to low-biomass environments in general. Microbiology-related future works will follow up to comprehensively understand the changing characteristics of microbial communities in CSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Lan-Tao Zhang
- Institute of Manned Space System Engineering, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Zhi-Dong Li
- Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing, 100094, China
| | - Cong-Xin Xin
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiao-Qiong Li
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Institute of Manned Space System Engineering, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Yu-Lin Deng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
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De Middeleer G, Leys N, Sas B, De Saeger S. Fungi and Mycotoxins in Space-A Review. ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:915-926. [PMID: 30973270 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1854] [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] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Fungi are not only present on Earth but colonize spacecraft and space stations as well. This review provides an extensive overview of the large and diverse group of fungal species that have been found in space, as well as those corresponding detection methods used and the existing and potential future prevention and control strategies. Many of the identified fungal species in space, such as Aspergillus flavus and Alternaria sp., are mycotoxigenic; thus, they are potential mycotoxin producers. This indicates that, although the fungal load in space stations tends to be non-alarming, the effects should not be underestimated, since the effect of the space environment on mycotoxin production should be sufficiently studied as well. However, research focused on mycotoxin production under conditions found on space stations is essentially nonexistent, since these kinds of spaceflight experiments are rare. Consequently, it is recommended that detection and monitoring systems for fungi and mycotoxins in space are at some point prioritized such that investigations into the impact of the space environment on mycotoxin production is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilke De Middeleer
- 1Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalie Leys
- 2Microbiology Unit, Interdisciplinary BioSciences Expert Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK•CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Benedikt Sas
- 3Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah De Saeger
- 1Laboratory of Food Analysis, Department of Bioanalysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lang JM, Coil DA, Neches RY, Brown WE, Cavalier D, Severance M, Hampton-Marcell JT, Gilbert JA, Eisen JA. A microbial survey of the International Space Station (ISS). PeerJ 2017; 5:e4029. [PMID: 29492330 PMCID: PMC5827671 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern advances in sequencing technology have enabled the census of microbial members of many natural ecosystems. Recently, attention is increasingly being paid to the microbial residents of human-made, built ecosystems, both private (homes) and public (subways, office buildings, and hospitals). Here, we report results of the characterization of the microbial ecology of a singular built environment, the International Space Station (ISS). This ISS sampling involved the collection and microbial analysis (via 16S rDNA PCR) of 15 surfaces sampled by swabs onboard the ISS. This sampling was a component of Project MERCCURI (Microbial Ecology Research Combining Citizen and University Researchers on ISS). Learning more about the microbial inhabitants of the "buildings" in which we travel through space will take on increasing importance, as plans for human exploration continue, with the possibility of colonization of other planets and moons. RESULTS Sterile swabs were used to sample 15 surfaces onboard the ISS. The sites sampled were designed to be analogous to samples collected for (1) the Wildlife of Our Homes project and (2) a study of cell phones and shoes that were concurrently being collected for another component of Project MERCCURI. Sequencing of the 16S rDNA genes amplified from DNA extracted from each swab was used to produce a census of the microbes present on each surface sampled. We compared the microbes found on the ISS swabs to those from both homes on Earth and data from the Human Microbiome Project. CONCLUSIONS While significantly different from homes on Earth and the Human Microbiome Project samples analyzed here, the microbial community composition on the ISS was more similar to home surfaces than to the human microbiome samples. The ISS surfaces are species-rich with 1,036-4,294 operational taxonomic units (OTUs per sample). There was no discernible biogeography of microbes on the 15 ISS surfaces, although this may be a reflection of the small sample size we were able to obtain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M. Lang
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - David A. Coil
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Russell Y. Neches
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Wendy E. Brown
- Science Cheerleader, United States of America
- Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
| | - Darlene Cavalier
- Science Cheerleader, United States of America
- The Consortium for Science, Policy & Outcomes, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States of America
- Scistarter.org, United States of America
| | - Mark Severance
- Science Cheerleader, United States of America
- Scistarter.org, United States of America
| | - Jarrad T. Hampton-Marcell
- Biosciences Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Jack A. Gilbert
- Argonne National Laboratory, University of Chicago, Lemont, IL, United States of America
- Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, IL, United States of America
| | - Jonathan A. Eisen
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
- Evolution and Ecology, University of CaliforniaDavis, CA, United States of America
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, CA, United States of America
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Schwendner P, Mahnert A, Koskinen K, Moissl-Eichinger C, Barczyk S, Wirth R, Berg G, Rettberg P. Preparing for the crewed Mars journey: microbiota dynamics in the confined Mars500 habitat during simulated Mars flight and landing. MICROBIOME 2017; 5:129. [PMID: 28974259 PMCID: PMC5627443 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0345-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Mars500 project was conceived as the first full duration simulation of a crewed return flight to Mars. For 520 days, six crew members lived confined in a specifically designed spacecraft mock-up. The herein described "MIcrobial ecology of Confined Habitats and humAn health" (MICHA) experiment was implemented to acquire comprehensive microbiota data from this unique, confined manned habitat, to retrieve important information on the occurring microbiota dynamics, the microbial load and diversity in the air and on various surfaces. In total, 360 samples from 20 (9 air, 11 surface) locations were taken at 18 time-points and processed by extensive cultivation, PhyloChip and next generation sequencing (NGS) of 16S rRNA gene amplicons. RESULTS Cultivation assays revealed a Staphylococcus and Bacillus-dominated microbial community on various surfaces, with an average microbial load that did not exceed the allowed limits for ISS in-flight requirements indicating adequate maintenance of the facility. Areas with high human activity were identified as hotspots for microbial accumulation. Despite substantial fluctuation with respect to microbial diversity and abundance throughout the experiment, the location within the facility and the confinement duration were identified as factors significantly shaping the microbial diversity and composition, with the crew representing the main source for microbial dispersal. Opportunistic pathogens, stress-tolerant or potentially mobile element-bearing microorganisms were predicted to be prevalent throughout the confinement, while the overall microbial diversity dropped significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS Our findings clearly indicate that under confined conditions, the community structure remains a highly dynamic system which adapts to the prevailing habitat and micro-conditions. Since a sterile environment is not achievable, these dynamics need to be monitored to avoid spreading of highly resistant or potentially pathogenic microorganisms and a potentially harmful decrease of microbial diversity. If necessary, countermeasures are required, to maintain a healthy, diverse balance of beneficial, neutral and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms. Our results serve as an important data collection for (i) future risk estimations of crewed space flight, (ii) an optimized design and planning of a spacecraft mission and (iii) for the selection of appropriate microbial monitoring approaches and potential countermeasures, to ensure a microbiologically safe space-flight environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Schwendner
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Present address: UK Center for Astrobiology, University of Edinburgh, School of Physics and Astronomy, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD UK
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/I, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Kaisa Koskinen
- Medical University of Graz, Department of Internal Medicine, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Medical University of Graz, Department of Internal Medicine, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Mozartgasse 12/II, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Simon Barczyk
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wirth
- Institute for Microbiology, University of Regensburg, Universitaetsstrasse 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Petersgasse 12/I, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center e.V. (DLR), Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne, Germany
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Karouia F, Peyvan K, Pohorille A. Toward biotechnology in space: High-throughput instruments for in situ biological research beyond Earth. Biotechnol Adv 2017; 35:905-932. [PMID: 28433608 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Space biotechnology is a nascent field aimed at applying tools of modern biology to advance our goals in space exploration. These advances rely on our ability to exploit in situ high throughput techniques for amplification and sequencing DNA, and measuring levels of RNA transcripts, proteins and metabolites in a cell. These techniques, collectively known as "omics" techniques have already revolutionized terrestrial biology. A number of on-going efforts are aimed at developing instruments to carry out "omics" research in space, in particular on board the International Space Station and small satellites. For space applications these instruments require substantial and creative reengineering that includes automation, miniaturization and ensuring that the device is resistant to conditions in space and works independently of the direction of the gravity vector. Different paths taken to meet these requirements for different "omics" instruments are the subjects of this review. The advantages and disadvantages of these instruments and technological solutions and their level of readiness for deployment in space are discussed. Considering that effects of space environments on terrestrial organisms appear to be global, it is argued that high throughput instruments are essential to advance (1) biomedical and physiological studies to control and reduce space-related stressors on living systems, (2) application of biology to life support and in situ resource utilization, (3) planetary protection, and (4) basic research about the limits on life in space. It is also argued that carrying out measurements in situ provides considerable advantages over the traditional space biology paradigm that relies on post-flight data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fathi Karouia
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Flight Systems Implementation Branch, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
| | | | - Andrew Pohorille
- University of California San Francisco, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; NASA Ames Research Center, Exobiology Branch, MS239-4, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA.
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11
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Cummins BM, Ligler FS, Walker GM. Point-of-care diagnostics for niche applications. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:161-76. [PMID: 26837054 PMCID: PMC4833668 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Point-of-care or point-of-use diagnostics are analytical devices that provide clinically relevant information without the need for a core clinical laboratory. In this review we define point-of-care diagnostics as portable versions of assays performed in a traditional clinical chemistry laboratory. This review discusses five areas relevant to human and animal health where increased attention could produce significant impact: veterinary medicine, space travel, sports medicine, emergency medicine, and operating room efficiency. For each of these areas, clinical need, available commercial products, and ongoing research into new devices are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian M Cummins
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Frances S Ligler
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Glenn M Walker
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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12
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Rosenzweig JA, Ahmed S, Eunson J, Chopra AK. Low-shear force associated with modeled microgravity and spaceflight does not similarly impact the virulence of notable bacterial pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:8797-807. [PMID: 25149449 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As their environments change, microbes experience various threats and stressors, and in the hypercompetitive microbial world, dynamism and the ability to rapidly respond to such changes allow microbes to outcompete their nutrient-seeking neighbors. Viewed in that light, the very difference between microbial life and death depends on effective stress response mechanisms. In addition to the more commonly studied temperature, nutritional, and chemical stressors, research has begun to characterize microbial responses to physical stress, namely low-shear stress. In fact, microbial responses to low-shear modeled microgravity (LSMMG), which emulates the microgravity experienced in space, have been studied quite widely in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Interestingly, LSMMG-induced changes in the virulence potential of several Gram-negative enteric bacteria, e.g., an increased enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli-mediated fluid secretion in ligated ileal loops of mice, an increased adherent invasive E. coli-mediated infectivity of Caco-2 cells, an increased Salmonella typhimurium-mediated invasion of both epithelial and macrophage cells, and S. typhimurium hypervirulence phenotype in BALB/c mice when infected by the intraperitoneal route. Although these were some examples where virulence of the bacteria was increased, there are instances where organisms became less virulent under LSMMG, e.g., hypovirulence of Yersinia pestis in cell culture infections and hypovirulence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes in a Caenorhabditis elegans infection model. In general, a number of LSMMG-exposed bacteria (but not all) seemed better equipped to handle subsequent stressors such as osmotic shock, acid shock, heat shock, and exposure to chemotherapeutics. This mini-review primarily discusses both LSMMG-induced as well as bona fide spaceflight-specific alterations in bacterial virulence potential, demonstrating that pathogens' responses to low-shear forces vary dramatically. Ultimately, a careful characterization of numerous bacterial pathogens' responses to low-shear forces is necessary to evaluate a more complete picture of how this physical stress impacts bacterial virulence since a "one-size-fits-all" response is clearly not the case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Rosenzweig
- Department of Biology and Center for Bionanotechnology and Environmental Research, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX, 77004, USA,
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Plante MP, Bérubé E, Bissonnette L, Bergeron MG, Leclerc M. Polythiophene biosensor for rapid detection of microbial particles in water. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2013; 5:4544-4548. [PMID: 23521757 DOI: 10.1021/am400162h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Most microbial particles have a negatively charged surface and in this work, we describe a water quality monitoring application of a cationic polythiophene derivative (AH-35) for the rapid assessment of microbial contamination of water. Using E. coli as a prototype microbial particle, we demonstrate that the AH-35 polymer can provide a qualitative assessment of water if exposed to more than 500 CFU/mL, thereby paving the way to a new family of biosensors potentially useful for monitoring drinking water distribution systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pier Plante
- Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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Ichijo T, Hieda H, Ishihara R, Yamaguchi N, Nasu M. Bacterial monitoring with adhesive sheet in the international space station-"Kibo", the Japanese experiment module. Microbes Environ 2013; 28:264-8. [PMID: 23603802 PMCID: PMC4070660 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiological monitoring is important to assure microbiological safety, especially in long-duration space habitation. We have been continuously monitoring the abundance and diversity of bacteria in the International Space Station (ISS)-“Kibo” module to accumulate knowledge on microbes in the ISS. In this study, we used a new sampling device, a microbe-collecting adhesive sheet developed in our laboratory. This adhesive sheet has high operability, needs no water for sampling, and is easy to transport and store. We first validated the adhesive sheet as a sampling device to be used in a space habitat with regard to the stability of the bacterial number on the sheet during prolonged storage of up to 12 months. Bacterial abundance on the surfaces in Kibo was then determined and was lower than on the surfaces in our laboratory (105 cells [cm2]−1), except for the return air grill, and the bacteria detected in Kibo were human skin microflora. From these aspects of microbial abundance and their phylogenetic affiliation, we concluded that Kibo has been microbiologically well maintained; however, microbial abundance may increase with the prolonged stay of astronauts. To ensure crew safety and understand bacterial dynamics in space habitation environments, continuous bacterial monitoring in Kibo is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Ichijo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1–6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565–0871, Japan
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Morris HC, Damon M, Maule J, Monaco LA, Wainwright N. Rapid culture-independent microbial analysis aboard the international space station (ISS) stage two: quantifying three microbial biomarkers. ASTROBIOLOGY 2012; 12:830-40. [PMID: 22984871 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2012.0863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Abstract A portable, rapid, microbial detection unit, the Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development Portable Test System (LOCAD-PTS), was launched to the International Space Station (ISS) as a technology demonstration unit in December 2006. Results from the first series of experiments designed to detect Gram-negative bacteria on ISS surfaces by quantifying a single microbial biomarker lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were reported in a previous article. Herein, we report additional technology demonstration experiments expanding the on-orbit capabilities of the LOCAD-PTS to detecting three different microbial biomarkers on ISS surfaces. Six different astronauts on more than 20 occasions participated in these experiments, which were designed to test the new beta-glucan (fungal cell wall molecule) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA; Gram-positive bacterial cell wall component) cartridges individually and in tandem with the existing Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL; Gram-negative bacterial LPS detection) cartridges. Additionally, we conducted the sampling side by side with the standard culture-based detection method currently used on the ISS. Therefore, we present data on the distribution of three microbial biomarkers collected from various surfaces in every module present on the ISS at the time of sampling. In accordance with our previous experiments, we determined that spacecraft surfaces known to be frequently in contact with crew members demonstrated higher values of all three microbial molecules. Key Words: Planetary protection-Spaceflight-Microbiology-Biosensor. Astrobiology 12, 830-840.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather C Morris
- Jacobs Technology, Inc., ESTS Group, Huntsville, Alabama 35806, USA.
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Morris HC, Monaco LA, Steele A, Wainwright N. Setting a standard: the limulus amebocyte lysate assay and the assessment of microbial contamination on spacecraft surfaces. ASTROBIOLOGY 2010; 10:845-852. [PMID: 21087163 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2009.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Historically, colony-forming units as determined by plate cultures have been the standard unit for microbiological analysis of environmental samples, medical diagnostics, and products for human use. However, the time and materials required make plate cultures expensive and potentially hazardous in the closed environments of future NASA missions aboard the International Space Station and missions to other Solar System targets. The Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay is an established method for ensuring the sterility and cleanliness of samples in the meat-packing and pharmaceutical industries. Each of these industries has verified numerical requirements for the correct interpretation of results from this assay. The LAL assay is a rapid, point-of-use, verified assay that has already been approved by NASA Planetary Protection as an alternate, molecular method for the examination of outbound spacecraft. We hypothesize that standards for molecular techniques, similar to those used by the pharmaceutical and meat-packing industries, need to be set by space agencies to ensure accurate data interpretation and subsequent decision making. In support of this idea, we present research that has been conducted to relate the LAL assay to plate cultures, and we recommend values obtained from these investigations that could assist in interpretation and analysis of data obtained from the LAL assay.
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