1
|
DiNicola M, Seuylemezian A, Guan L, Moissl-Eichinger C, Baker A, Johns J. Modeling of recovery efficiency of sampling devices used in planetary protection bioburden estimation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0083223. [PMID: 37982623 PMCID: PMC10734503 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00832-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Planetary protection at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) requires bioburden on certain spacecraft to be estimated via sampling in order to comply with biological cleanliness requirements. To achieve this, the recovery efficiency of devices used to sample the spacecraft pre-launch must be understood and their uncertainty quantified in order to produce the most reasonable estimates of bioburden. This study brings together experiments performed by NASA and the European Space Agency with approved swab and wipe sampling devices, inoculating steel coupons with laboratory strains of Bacillus spp. spores commonly recovered from spacecraft assembly clean rooms (B. atrophaeus, B. megaterium, B. safensis and B. thuringiensis), with a mathematical model of the assay process to assess recovery efficiency. The statistical treatment developed in this study allows comparison of bioburden estimates made from different devices processed by different methods. This study also gives stakeholders and practitioners a statistically rigorous approach to predict bioburden that can be folded into future modeling efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael DiNicola
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Arman Seuylemezian
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Lisa Guan
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, USA
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Medical University of Graz, Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology, and Environmental Medicine, Graz, Austria
| | - Amy Baker
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
| | - Jason Johns
- Herndon Solutions Group, Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bonaccorsi R, Glass B, Moreno-Paz M, García-Villadangos M, Warren-Rhodes K, Parro V, Manchado JM, Wilhelm MB, McKay CP. In Situ Real-Time Monitoring for Aseptic Drilling: Lessons Learned from the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation and Application to the Icebreaker Mars Life Detection Mission. ASTROBIOLOGY 2023; 23:1303-1336. [PMID: 38133823 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2022.0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, the Atacama Rover Astrobiology Drilling Studies (ARADS) project field-tested an autonomous rover-mounted robotic drill prototype for a 6-Sol life detection mission to Mars (Icebreaker). ARADS drilled Mars-like materials in the Atacama Desert (Chile), one of the most life-diminished regions on Earth, where mitigating contamination transfer into life-detection instruments becomes critical. Our Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation (CCSI) for the Sample Handling and Transfer System (SHTS) hardware (drill, scoop and funnels) included out-of-simulation protocol testing (out-of-sim) for hardware decontamination and verification during the 6-Sol simulation (in-sim). The most effective five-step decontamination combined safer-to-use sterilants (3%_hydrogen-peroxide-activated 5%_sodium-hypochlorite), and in situ real-time verification by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and Signs of Life Detector (SOLID) Fluorescence Immunoassay for characterization hardware bioburden and airborne contaminants. The 20- to 40-min protocol enabled a 4-log bioburden reduction down to <0.1 fmoles ATP detection limit (funnels and drill) to 0.2-0.7 fmoles (scoop) of total ATP. The (post-cleaning) hardware background was 0.3 to 1-2 attomoles ATP/cm2 (cleanliness benchmark background values) equivalent to ca. 1-10 colony forming unit (CFU)/cm2. Further, 60-100% of the in-sim hardware background was ≤3-4 bacterial cells/cm2, the threshold limit for Class <7 aseptic operations. Across the six Sols, the flux of airborne contaminants to the drill sites was ∼5 and ∼22 amoles ATP/(cm2·day), accounting for an unexpectedly high Fluorescence Intensity (FI) signal (FI: ∼6000) against aquatic cyanobacteria, but negligible anthropogenic contribution. The SOLID immunoassay also detected microorganisms from multiple habitats across the Atacama Desert (anoxic, alkaline/acidic microenvironments in halite fields, playas, and alluvial fans) in both airborne and post-cleaning hardware background. Finally, the hardware ATP background was 40-250 times lower than the ATP in cores. Similarly, the FI peaks (FImax) against the microbial taxa and molecular biomarkers detected in the post-cleaned hardware (FI: ∼1500-1600) were 5-10 times lower than biomarkers in drilled sediments, excluding significant interference with putative biomarker found in cores. Similar protocols enable the acquisition of contamination-free materials for ultra-sensitive instruments analysis and the integrity of scientific results. Their application can augment our scientific knowledge of the distribution of cryptic life on Mars-like grounds and support life-detection robotic and human-operated missions to Mars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Bonaccorsi
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Brian Glass
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Mercedes Moreno-Paz
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Kimberley Warren-Rhodes
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California, USA
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Victor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Manchado
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mohammadi B, Gorkina N, Pérez-Reyes ME, Smith SA. Profiling toxin genes and antibiotic resistance in Bacillus cereus isolated from pre-launch spacecraft. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1231726. [PMID: 38045028 PMCID: PMC10690612 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231726] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterization of the microbiomes of pre-launch spacecraft in spacecraft assembly facilities is an important step in keeping crews healthy during journeys that can last several hundred days in small artificial environments in space. Bacillus cereus, a foodborne pathogenic bacterium, has the potential to be a significant source of food contamination in such environments. This bacterium is a spore-forming bacteria that resists different antimicrobial treatments in cleanrooms where spacecraft are assembled. This study evaluated 41 B. cereus isolates from four pre-launch spacecraft in spacecraft assembly facilities for their toxin gene profile and antibiotic resistance. Four enterotoxin genes (hlbC, cytK, nheA, and entFM) and two emetic toxin genes (ces and CER) were targeted for chromosomal DNA and plasmid DNA. Results showed 31.7, 7.3, 85, and 41.5% of isolates contained hblC, cytK, nheA, and entFM, respectively, in chromosomal or plasmid DNA. Overall, 37 isolates (90.2%) showed at least one enterotoxin gene. The emetic toxin gene, ces, was detected in the plasmid DNA of three isolates (7.3%). The antibiotic resistance of isolates was evaluated by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion procedure. All the isolates exhibited 100% susceptibility to gentamicin, 97% were susceptible to clindamycin, and 95% to chloramphenicol, imipenem, tetracycline, and vancomycin. The overall susceptibility average is 51%. However, 98% of the isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, 97.5% were resistant to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and 80% were resistant to rifampin. This study provides important information on B. cereus isolates from spacecraft assembly facilities for use in microbial monitoring programs of spacecraft.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephanie A. Smith
- Consumer Food Safety Laboratory, School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hendrickson R, Urbaniak C, Minich JJ, Aronson HS, Martino C, Stepanauskas R, Knight R, Venkateswaran K. Clean room microbiome complexity impacts planetary protection bioburden. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:238. [PMID: 34861887 PMCID: PMC8643001 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Spacecraft Assembly Facility (SAF) at the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory is the primary cleanroom facility used in the construction of some of the planetary protection (PP)-sensitive missions developed by NASA, including the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover that launched in July 2020. SAF floor samples (n=98) were collected, over a 6-month period in 2016 prior to the construction of the Mars rover subsystems, to better understand the temporal and spatial distribution of bacterial populations (total, viable, cultivable, and spore) in this unique cleanroom. RESULTS Cleanroom samples were examined for total (living and dead) and viable (living only) microbial populations using molecular approaches and cultured isolates employing the traditional NASA standard spore assay (NSA), which predominantly isolated spores. The 130 NSA isolates were represented by 16 bacterial genera, of which 97% were identified as spore-formers via Sanger sequencing. The most spatially abundant isolate was Bacillus subtilis, and the most temporally abundant spore-former was Virgibacillus panthothenticus. The 16S rRNA gene-targeted amplicon sequencing detected 51 additional genera not found in the NSA method. The amplicon sequencing of the samples treated with propidium monoazide (PMA), which would differentiate between viable and dead organisms, revealed a total of 54 genera: 46 viable non-spore forming genera and 8 viable spore forming genera in these samples. The microbial diversity generated by the amplicon sequencing corresponded to ~86% non-spore-formers and ~14% spore-formers. The most common spatially distributed genera were Sphinigobium, Geobacillus, and Bacillus whereas temporally distributed common genera were Acinetobacter, Geobacilllus, and Bacillus. Single-cell genomics detected 6 genera in the sample analyzed, with the most prominent being Acinetobacter. CONCLUSION This study clearly established that detecting spores via NSA does not provide a complete assessment for the cleanliness of spacecraft-associated environments since it failed to detect several PP-relevant genera that were only recovered via molecular methods. This highlights the importance of a methodological paradigm shift to appropriately monitor bioburden in cleanrooms for not only the aeronautical industry but also for pharmaceutical, medical industries, etc., and the need to employ molecular sequencing to complement traditional culture-based assays. Video abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Hendrickson
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Minich
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Heidi S Aronson
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA
| | - Cameron Martino
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Rob Knight
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Izenberg NR, Gentry DM, Smith DJ, Gilmore MS, Grinspoon DH, Bullock MA, Boston PJ, Słowik GP. The Venus Life Equation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1305-1315. [PMID: 33512272 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ancient Venus and Earth may have been similar in crucial ways for the development of life, such as liquid water oceans, land-ocean interfaces, favorable chemical ingredients, and energy pathways. If life ever developed on, or was transported to, early Venus from elsewhere, it might have thrived, expanded, and then survived the changes that have led to an inhospitable surface on Venus today. The Venus cloud layer may provide a refugium for extant life that persisted from an earlier more habitable surface environment. We introduce the Venus Life Equation (VLE)-a theory and evidence-based approach to calculate the probability of extant life on Venus, L, using three primary factors of life: Origination, Robustness, and Continuity, or L = O · R · C. We evaluate each of these factors using our current understanding of Earth and Venus environmental conditions from the Archean to the present. We find that the probability of origination of life on Venus would be similar to that of Earth, and argue that the other factors should be nonzero, comparable with other promising astrobiological targets in the solar system. The VLE also identifies poorly understood aspects of Venus that can be addressed by direct observations with future exploration missions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noam R Izenberg
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL), Laurel, Maryland, USA
| | - Diana M Gentry
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - David J Smith
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, USA
| | - Martha S Gilmore
- Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | - Grzegorz P Słowik
- Institute of Materials and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Hypopiezotolerant Bacterium, Serratia liquefaciens, Failed to Grow in Mars Analog Soils under Simulated Martian Conditions at 7 hPa. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060077. [PMID: 32466370 PMCID: PMC7344922 DOI: 10.3390/life10060077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for life on Mars is predicated on the idea that Earth and Mars life (if present) should be both carbon- and water-based with similar forms of evolution. However, the astrobiology community can currently only investigate plausible Martian microbial ecosystems by using Terran life-forms as proxies. In order to examine how life might persist on Mars, we used a hypopiezotolerant bacterium (def., able to grow at 7-10 hPa)-Serratia liquefaciens-in growth assays with four Mars analog soils conducted under a subset of simulated Martian conditions including 7 hPa, 0 °C, and a CO2-enriched anoxic atmosphere (called low-PTA conditions). The four Mars analog soils included an Aeolian dust analog, the Mars JSC-1 analog, a Phoenix lander-site simulant, and a high-Salts analog. Serratia liquefaciens cells were able to grow at 30 °C in a liquid minimal basal medium (MBM) supplemented with 10- or 20-mM sucrose, Spizizen salts, and micronutrients. When the four analog soils were doped with both MBM and cells of S. liquefaciens, and subsequently incubated at 30 °C for 72 h, cell densities increased between 2-logs (Phoenix analog) and 4-logs (Aeolian and JSC-1 analogs); the Salts analog led to complete inactivation of S. liquefaciens within 24 h. In contrast, when the experiment was repeated, but incubated under low-PTA conditions, S. liquefaciens cells were either killed immediately by the Salts analog, or decreased by > 5 logs over 28 d by the Aeolian, JSC-1, and Phoenix analogs. The failure of S. liquefaciens to grow in the analog soils under low-PTA conditions was attributed to the synergistic interactions among six factors (i.e., low pressure, low temperature, anoxic atmosphere (i.e., the low-PTA conditions), low-pH in the Salts soil, dissolved salts in all analogs, and oligotrophic conditions) that increased the biocidal or inhibitory conditions within the analog soils. Results suggest that even if a hypopiezotolerant Terran microbe is displaced from a spacecraft surface on Mars, and lands in a hydrated and nutrient-rich niche, growth in the Martian regolith is not automatically assured.
Collapse
|
7
|
Meyer M, Bakermans C, Beaty D, Bernard D, Boston P, Chevrier V, Conley C, Feustel I, Gough R, Glotch T, Hays L, Junge K, Lindberg R, Mellon M, Mischna M, Neal CR, Pugel B, Quinn R, Raulin F, Rennó N, Rummel J, Schulte M, Spry A, Stabekis P, Wang A, Yee N. Report of the Joint Workshop on Induced Special Regions. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2019; 23:50-59. [PMID: 31791605 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Joint Workshop on Induced Special Regions convened scientists and planetary protection experts to assess the potential of inducing special regions through lander or rover activity. An Induced Special Region is defined as a place where the presence of the spacecraft could induce water activity and temperature to be sufficiently high and persist for long enough to plausibly harbor life. The questions the workshop participants addressed were: (1) What is a safe stand-off distance, or formula to derive a safe distance, to a purported special region? (2) Questions about RTGs (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator), other heat sources, and their ability to induce special regions. (3) Is it possible to have an infected area on Mars that does not contaminate the rest of Mars? The workshop participants reached a general consensus addressing the posed questions, in summary: (1) While a spacecraft on the surface of Mars may not be able to explore a special region during the prime mission, the safe stand-off distance would decrease with time because the sterilizing environment, that is the martian surface would progressively clean the exposed surfaces. However, the analysis supporting such an exploration should ensure that the risk to exposing interior portions of the spacecraft (i.e., essentially unsterilized) to the martian surface is minimized. (2) An RTG at the surface of Mars would not create a Special Region but the short-term result depends on kinetics of melting, freezing, deliquescence, and desiccation. While a buried RTG could induce a Special Region, it would not pose a long-term contamination threat to Mars, with the possible exception of a migrating RTG in an icy deposit. (3) Induced Special Regions can allow microbial replication to occur (by definition), but such replication at the surface is unlikely to globally contaminate Mars. An induced subsurface Special Region would be isolated and microbial transport away from subsurface site is highly improbable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Meyer
- Science Mission Directorate, NASA HQ, Washington DC, United States.
| | - Corien Bakermans
- Microbiology, Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Penn State University, Altoona, United States
| | - David Beaty
- Mars Exploration Directorate, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Douglas Bernard
- Engineering and Science Directorate, Jet Propusion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Penelope Boston
- NASA Astrobiology Institute, Ames Research Center, Mountain View, United States
| | - Vincent Chevrier
- Arkansas Center for Space and Planetary Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, United States
| | - Catharine Conley
- Science Mission Directorate, NASA HQ, Washington DC, United States
| | - Ingrid Feustel
- Chemical Control Division, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC, United States
| | - Raina Gough
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States
| | - Timothy Glotch
- Department of Geosciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, United States
| | - Lindsay Hays
- NASA Astrobiology Institute, Ames Research Center, Mountain View, United States
| | - Karen Junge
- Applied Physics Lab. University Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Robert Lindberg
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Michael Mellon
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, United States
| | - Michael Mischna
- Engineering and Science Directorate, Jet Propusion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Clive R Neal
- College of Engineering, University Notre Dame, Notre Dame, United States
| | - Betsy Pugel
- Science Mission Directorate, NASA HQ, Washington DC, United States
| | - Richard Quinn
- Applied Physics Lab. University Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Francois Raulin
- LISA, UMR CNRS 7583, Université Paris-Est-Créteil, Université de Paris, Institut Pierre Simon Laplace, Créteil, France
| | - Nilton Rennó
- Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, University Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - John Rummel
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, United States
| | - Mitchell Schulte
- Science Mission Directorate, NASA HQ, Washington DC, United States
| | - Andrew Spry
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, United States
| | | | - Alian Wang
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, United States
| | - Nathan Yee
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, Piscataway, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Habitability of Mars: How Welcoming Are the Surface and Subsurface to Life on the Red Planet? GEOSCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/geosciences9090361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mars is a planet of great interest in the search for signatures of past or present life beyond Earth. The years of research, and more advanced instrumentation, have yielded a lot of evidence which may be considered by the scientific community as proof of past or present habitability of Mars. Recent discoveries including seasonal methane releases and a subglacial lake are exciting, yet challenging findings. Concurrently, laboratory and environmental studies on the limits of microbial life in extreme environments on Earth broaden our knowledge of the possibility of Mars habitability. In this review, we aim to: (1) Discuss the characteristics of the Martian surface and subsurface that may be conducive to habitability either in the past or at present; (2) discuss laboratory-based studies on Earth that provide us with discoveries on the limits of life; and (3) summarize the current state of knowledge in terms of direction for future research.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rettberg P, Antunes A, Brucato J, Cabezas P, Collins G, Haddaji A, Kminek G, Leuko S, McKenna-Lawlor S, Moissl-Eichinger C, Fellous JL, Olsson-Francis K, Pearce D, Rabbow E, Royle S, Saunders M, Sephton M, Spry A, Walter N, Wimmer Schweingruber R, Treuet JC. Biological Contamination Prevention for Outer Solar System Moons of Astrobiological Interest: What Do We Need to Know? ASTROBIOLOGY 2019; 19:951-974. [PMID: 30762429 PMCID: PMC6767865 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2018.1996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To ensure that scientific investments in space exploration are not compromised by terrestrial contamination of celestial bodies, special care needs to be taken to preserve planetary conditions for future astrobiological exploration. Significant effort has been made and is being taken to address planetary protection in the context of inner Solar System exploration. In particular for missions to Mars, detailed internationally accepted guidelines have been established. For missions to the icy moons in the outer Solar System, Europa and Enceladus, the planetary protection requirements are so far based on a probabilistic approach and a conservative estimate of poorly known parameters. One objective of the European Commission-funded project, Planetary Protection of Outer Solar System, was to assess the existing planetary protection approach, to identify inherent knowledge gaps, and to recommend scientific investigations necessary to update the requirements for missions to the icy moons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Rettberg
- Research Group Astrobiology, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Köln, Germany
- Address correspondence to: Petra Rettberg, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Research Group Astrobiology, Linder Höhe, 51147 Köln, Germany
| | - André Antunes
- GEMM—Group for Extreme and Marine Microbiology, Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - John Brucato
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, National Institute for Astrophysics (INAF), Florence, Italy
| | - Patricia Cabezas
- Science Connect–European Science Foundation (ESF), Strasbourg, France
| | - Geoffrey Collins
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wheaton College, Massachusetts, Norton, Massachusetts
| | - Alissa Haddaji
- Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Montpellier, France
| | - Gerhard Kminek
- Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), Montpellier, France
| | - Stefan Leuko
- Research Group Astrobiology, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Köln, Germany
| | | | | | - Jean-Louis Fellous
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Wheaton College, Massachusetts, Norton, Massachusetts
| | - Karen Olsson-Francis
- Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, School of Environment, Earth & Ecosystem Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
| | - David Pearce
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Elke Rabbow
- Research Group Astrobiology, Radiation Biology Department, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Köln, Germany
| | - Samuel Royle
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Saunders
- Independent Consultant for the US National Academies of Sciences (NAS), Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Mark Sephton
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Earth Science & Engineering, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Spry
- Carl Sagan Center, SETI, Mountain View, California
| | - Nicolas Walter
- Science Connect–European Science Foundation (ESF), Strasbourg, France
| | - Robert Wimmer Schweingruber
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Abteilung Extraterrestrische Physik, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zammuto V, Fuchs FM, Fiebrandt M, Stapelmann K, Ulrich NJ, Maugeri TL, Pukall R, Gugliandolo C, Moeller R. Comparing Spore Resistance of Bacillus Strains Isolated from Hydrothermal Vents and Spacecraft Assembly Facilities to Environmental Stressors and Decontamination Treatments. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:1425-1434. [PMID: 30289268 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Submarine hydrothermal vents are inhabited by a variety of microorganisms capable of tolerating environmental extremes, making them ideal candidates to further expand our knowledge of the limitations for terrestrial life, including their ability to survive the exposure of spaceflight-relevant conditions. The spore resistance of two Bacillus spp. strains, APA and SBP3, isolated from two shallow vents off Panarea Island (Aeolian Islands, Italy), to artificial and environmental stressors (i.e., UVC radiation, X-rays, heat, space vacuum, hydrogen peroxide [H2O2], and low-pressure plasma), was compared with that of two close phylogenetic relatives (Bacillus horneckiae and Bacillus oceanisediminis). Additional comparisons were made with Bacillus sp. isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities (B. horneckiae, Bacillus pumilus SAFR-032, and Bacillus nealsonii) and the biodosimetry strain and space microbiology model organism Bacillus subtilis. Overall, a high degree of spore resistance to stressors was observed for the strains isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities, with an exceptional level of resistance seen by B. pumilus SAFR-032. The environmental isolate SBP3 showed a more robust spore resistance to UVC, X-rays, H2O2, dry heat, and space vacuum than the closely related B. horneckiae. Both strains (SBP3 and APA) were more thermotolerant than their relatives, B. horneckiae and B. oceanisediminis, respectively. SBP3 may have a novel use as a bacterial model organism for future interrogations into the potential of forward contamination in extraterrestrial environments (e.g., icy moons of Jupiter or Saturn), spacecraft sterilization and, broadly, microbial responses to spaceflight-relevant environmental stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Zammuto
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Research Center for Extreme Environments and Extremophiles, University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Felix M Fuchs
- 2 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcel Fiebrandt
- 3 Biomedical Applications of Plasma Technology, Institute for Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ruhr University Bochum , Bochum, Germany
| | - Katharina Stapelmann
- 3 Biomedical Applications of Plasma Technology, Institute for Electrical Engineering and Plasma Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ruhr University Bochum , Bochum, Germany
| | - Nikea J Ulrich
- 2 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Cologne, Germany
| | - Teresa L Maugeri
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Research Center for Extreme Environments and Extremophiles, University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Rüdiger Pukall
- 4 Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures , Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Concetta Gugliandolo
- 1 Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, Research Center for Extreme Environments and Extremophiles, University of Messina , Messina, Italy
| | - Ralf Moeller
- 2 Space Microbiology Research Group, Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine , German Aerospace Center (DLR e.V.), Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Huang T, Wang R, Xiao L, Wang H, Martínez JM, Escudero C, Amils R, Cheng Z, Xu Y. Dalangtan Playa (Qaidam Basin, NW China): Its microbial life and physicochemical characteristics and their astrobiological implications. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200949. [PMID: 30067805 PMCID: PMC6070256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dalangtan Playa is the second largest salt playa in the Qaidam Basin, north-western China. The hyper saline deposition, extremely arid climate and high UV radiation make Dalangtan a Mars analogue both for geomorphology and life preservation. To better understand microbial life at Dalangtan, both culture-dependent and culture-independent methods were examined and simultaneously, environment conditions and the evaporitic mineral assemblages were investigated. Ten and thirteen subsurface samples were collected along a 595-cm deep profile (P1) and a 685-cm deep profile (P2) respectively, and seven samples were gathered from surface sediments. These samples are composed of salt minerals, minor silicate mineral fragments and clays. The total bacterial cell numbers are (1.54±0.49) ×10(5) g-1 for P1 and (3.22±0.95) ×10(5) g-1 for P2 as indicated by the CAtalyzed Reporter Deposition- Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (CARD-FISH). 76.6% and 75.7% of the bacteria belong to Firmicutes phylum respectively from P1 and P2. In total, 47 bacteria and 6 fungi were isolated from 22 subsurface samples. In contrast, only 3 bacteria and 1 fungus were isolated from 3 surface samples. The isolated bacteria show high homology (≥97%) with members of the Firmicutes phylum (47 strains, 8 genera) and the Actinobacteria phylum (3 strains, 2 genera), which agrees with the result of CARD-FISH. Isolated fungi showed ≥98% ITS1 homology with members of the phylum Ascomycota. Moisture content and TOC values may control the sediments colonization. Given the deliquescence of salts, evaporites may provide refuge for microbial life, which merits further investigation. Halotolerant and spore-forming microorganisms are the dominant microbial groups capable of surviving under extreme conditions. Our results offer brand-new information on microbial biomass in Dalangtan Playa and shed light on understanding the potential microbial life in the dried playa or paleo-lakes on Mars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources, Planetary Science Institute, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruicheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Long Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources, Planetary Science Institute, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Space Science Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
- * E-mail: (LX); (HW)
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail: (LX); (HW)
| | - José M. Martínez
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Escudero
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (UAM-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ziye Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Geological Process and Mineral Resources, Planetary Science Institute, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Space Science Institute, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nicholson WL, Schuerger AC, Douki T. The Photochemistry of Unprotected DNA and DNA inside Bacillus subtilis Spores Exposed to Simulated Martian Surface Conditions of Atmospheric Composition, Temperature, Pressure, and Solar Radiation. ASTROBIOLOGY 2018; 18:393-402. [PMID: 29589975 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
DNA is considered a potential biomarker for life-detection experiments destined for Mars. Experiments were conducted to examine the photochemistry of bacterial DNA, either unprotected or within Bacillus subtilis spores, in response to exposure to simulated martian surface conditions consisting of the following: temperature (-10°C), pressure (0.7 kPa), atmospheric composition [CO2 (95.54%), N2 (2.7%), Ar (1.6%), O2 (0.13%), and H2O (0.03%)], and UV-visible-near IR solar radiation spectrum (200-1100 nm) calibrated to 4 W/m2 of UVC (200-280 nm). While the majority (99.9%) of viable spores deposited in multiple layers on spacecraft-qualified aluminum coupons were inactivated within 5 min, a detectable fraction survived for up to the equivalent of ∼115 martian sols. Spore photoproduct (SP) was the major lesion detected in spore DNA, with minor amounts of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), in the order TT CPD > TC CPD >> CT CPD. In addition, the (6-4)TC, but not the (6-4)TT, photoproduct was detected in spore DNA. When unprotected DNA was exposed to simulated martian conditions, all photoproducts were detected. Surprisingly, the (6-4)TC photoproduct was the major photoproduct, followed by SP ∼ TT CPD > TC CPD > (6-4)TT > CT CPD > CC CPD. Differences in the photochemistry of unprotected DNA and spore DNA in response to simulated martian surface conditions versus laboratory conditions are reviewed and discussed. The results have implications for the planning of future life-detection experiments that use DNA as the target, and for the long-term persistence on Mars of forward contaminants or their DNA. Key Words: Bacillus subtilis-DNA-Mars-Photochemistry-Spore-Ultraviolet. Astrobiology 18, 393-402.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wayne L Nicholson
- 1 Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida , Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | - Andrew C Schuerger
- 2 Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida , Merritt Island, Florida, USA
| | - Thierry Douki
- 3 Univ. Grenoble Alpes , CEA, CNRS, INAC, SyMMES/CIBEST, Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Dworkin JP, Adelman LA, Ajluni T, Andronikov AV, Aponte JC, Bartels AE, Beshore E, Bierhaus EB, Brucato JR, Bryan BH, Burton AS, Callahan MP, Castro-Wallace SL, Clark BC, Clemett SJ, Connolly HC, Cutlip WE, Daly SM, Elliott VE, Elsila JE, Enos HL, Everett DF, Franchi IA, Glavin DP, Graham HV, Hendershot JE, Harris JW, Hill SL, Hildebrand AR, Jayne GO, Jenkens RW, Johnson KS, Kirsch JS, Lauretta DS, Lewis AS, Loiacono JJ, Lorentson CC, Marshall JR, Martin MG, Matthias LL, McLain HL, Messenger SR, Mink RG, Moore JL, Nakamura-Messenger K, Nuth JA, Owens CV, Parish CL, Perkins BD, Pryzby MS, Reigle CA, Righter K, Rizk B, Russell JF, Sandford SA, Schepis JP, Songer J, Sovinski MF, Stahl SE, Thomas-Keprta K, Vellinga JM, Walker MS. OSIRIS-REx Contamination Control Strategy and Implementation. SPACE SCIENCE REVIEWS 2018; 214:19. [PMID: 30713357 PMCID: PMC6350808 DOI: 10.1007/s11214-017-0439-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OSIRIS-REx will return pristine samples of carbonaceous asteroid Bennu. This article describes how pristine was defined based on expectations of Bennu and on a realistic understanding of what is achievable with a constrained schedule and budget, and how that definition flowed to requirements and implementation. To return a pristine sample, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft sampling hardware was maintained at level 100 A/2 and <180 ng/cm2 of amino acids and hydrazine on the sampler head through precision cleaning, control of materials, and vigilance. Contamination is further characterized via witness material exposed to the spacecraft assembly and testing environment as well as in space. This characterization provided knowledge of the expected background and will be used in conjunction with archived spacecraft components for comparison with the samples when they are delivered to Earth for analysis. Most of all, the cleanliness of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was achieved through communication among scientists, engineers, managers, and technicians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J P Dworkin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - L A Adelman
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Arctic Slope Research Corporation, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - T Ajluni
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Arctic Slope Research Corporation, Beltsville, MD USA
| | | | - J C Aponte
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
| | - A E Bartels
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - E Beshore
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - E B Bierhaus
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - J R Brucato
- INAF Astrophysical Observatory of Arcetri, Florence, Italy
| | - B H Bryan
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - A S Burton
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - B C Clark
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - S J Clemett
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Jacobs Technology, Tullahoma, TN, USA
| | | | - W E Cutlip
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - S M Daly
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - V E Elliott
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - J E Elsila
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - H L Enos
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - D F Everett
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | | | - D P Glavin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - H V Graham
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - J E Hendershot
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Ball Aerospace, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - J W Harris
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - S L Hill
- Jacobs Technology, Tullahoma, TN, USA
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
| | | | - G O Jayne
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Arctic Slope Research Corporation, Beltsville, MD USA
| | - R W Jenkens
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - K S Johnson
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - J S Kirsch
- Jacobs Technology, Tullahoma, TN, USA
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - D S Lauretta
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - A S Lewis
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - J J Loiacono
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - C C Lorentson
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | | | - M G Martin
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
| | - L L Matthias
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
- Analex, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - H L McLain
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - R G Mink
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - J L Moore
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | | | - J A Nuth
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - C V Owens
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - C L Parish
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - B D Perkins
- NASA Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, FL, USA
| | - M S Pryzby
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
- ATA Aerospace, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - C A Reigle
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - K Righter
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - B Rizk
- Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - J F Russell
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - S A Sandford
- NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
| | - J P Schepis
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - J Songer
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - M F Sovinski
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| | - S E Stahl
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- JES Tech., Houston, TX, USA
| | - K Thomas-Keprta
- NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Jacobs Technology, Tullahoma, TN, USA
| | - J M Vellinga
- Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Littleton, CO, USA
| | - M S Walker
- NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fairén AG, Parro V, Schulze-Makuch D, Whyte L. Searching for Life on Mars Before It Is Too Late. ASTROBIOLOGY 2017; 17:962-970. [PMID: 28885042 PMCID: PMC5655416 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Decades of robotic exploration have confirmed that in the distant past, Mars was warmer and wetter and its surface was habitable. However, none of the spacecraft missions to Mars have included among their scientific objectives the exploration of Special Regions, those places on the planet that could be inhabited by extant martian life or where terrestrial microorganisms might replicate. A major reason for this is because of Planetary Protection constraints, which are implemented to protect Mars from terrestrial biological contamination. At the same time, plans are being drafted to send humans to Mars during the 2030 decade, both from international space agencies and the private sector. We argue here that these two parallel strategies for the exploration of Mars (i.e., delaying any efforts for the biological reconnaissance of Mars during the next two or three decades and then directly sending human missions to the planet) demand reconsideration because once an astronaut sets foot on Mars, Planetary Protection policies as we conceive them today will no longer be valid as human arrival will inevitably increase the introduction of terrestrial and organic contaminants and that could jeopardize the identification of indigenous martian life. In this study, we advocate for reassessment over the relationships between robotic searches, paying increased attention to proactive astrobiological investigation and sampling of areas more likely to host indigenous life, and fundamentally doing this in advance of manned missions. Key Words: Contamination-Earth Mars-Planetary Protection-Search for life (biosignatures). Astrobiology 17, 962-970.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto G. Fairén
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Victor Parro
- Centro de Astrobiología (CSIC-INTA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Dirk Schulze-Makuch
- Center of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- SETI Institute, Mountain View, California
| | - Lyle Whyte
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bak EN, Larsen MG, Moeller R, Nissen SB, Jensen LR, Nørnberg P, Jensen SJK, Finster K. Silicates Eroded under Simulated Martian Conditions Effectively Kill Bacteria-A Challenge for Life on Mars. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1709. [PMID: 28955310 PMCID: PMC5601068 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The habitability of Mars is determined by the physical and chemical environment. The effect of low water availability, temperature, low atmospheric pressure and strong UV radiation has been extensively studied in relation to the survival of microorganisms. In addition to these stress factors, it was recently found that silicates exposed to simulated saltation in a Mars-like atmosphere can lead to a production of reactive oxygen species. Here, we have investigated the stress effect induced by quartz and basalt abraded in Mars-like atmospheres by examining the survivability of the three microbial model organisms Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis, and Deinococcus radiodurans upon exposure to the abraded silicates. We found that abraded basalt that had not been in contact with oxygen after abrasion killed more than 99% of the vegetative cells while endospores were largely unaffected. Exposure of the basalt samples to oxygen after abrasion led to a significant reduction in the stress effect. Abraded quartz was generally less toxic than abraded basalt. We suggest that the stress effect of abraded silicates may be caused by a production of reactive oxygen species and enhanced by transition metal ions in the basalt leading to hydroxyl radicals through Fenton-like reactions. The low survivability of the usually highly resistant D. radiodurans indicates that the effect of abraded silicates, as is ubiquitous on the Martian surface, would limit the habitability of Mars as well as the risk of forward contamination. Furthermore, the reactivity of abraded silicates could have implications for future manned missions, although the lower effect of abraded silicates exposed to oxygen suggests that the effects would be reduced in human habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ebbe N Bak
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ralf Moeller
- Space Microbiology Research Group, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR)Cologne, Germany
| | - Silas B Nissen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | - Lasse R Jensen
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Nørnberg
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Kai Finster
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark.,Stellar Astrophysics Center, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus UniversityAarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|