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Casula M, Fais G, Manis C, Scano P, Verseux C, Concas A, Cao G, Caboni P. Cultivation and nutritional characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated using Martian regolith and synthetic urine. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2024; 42:108-116. [PMID: 39067982 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Long-term spatial missions will require sustainable methods for biomass production using locally available resources. This study investigates the feasibility of cultivating Chlorella vulgaris, a high value microalgal specie, using a leachate of Martian regolith and synthetic human urine as nutrient sources. The microalga was grown in a standard medium (BBM) mixed with 0, 20, 40, 60, or 100 % Martian medium (MM). MM did not significantly affect final biomass concentrations. Total carbohydrate and protein contents decreased with increasing MM fractions between 0 % and 60 %, but biomass in the 100% MM showed the highest levels of carbohydrates and proteins (25.2 ± 0.9 % and 37.1 ± 1.4 % of the dry weight, respectively, against 19.0 ± 1.7 % and 32.0 ± 2.7 % in the absence of MM). In all MM-containing media, the fraction of the biomass represented by total lipids was lower (by 3.2 to 4.5%) when compared to BBM. Conversely, total carotenoids increased, with the highest value (97.3 ± 1.5 mg/100 g) measured with 20% MM. In a three-dimensional principal component analysis of triacylglycerols, samples clustered according to growth media; a strong impact of growth media on triacylglycerol profiles was observed. Overall, our findings suggest that microalgal biomass produced using regolith and urine can be used as a valuable component of astronauts' diet during missions to Mars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Casula
- Interdepartmental Center of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Center of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Cristina Manis
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco A, SP8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Paola Scano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco A, SP8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Center of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Center of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Piazza d'Armi, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, Blocco A, SP8 Km 0.700, 09042 Monserrato, Italy.
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Campisi M, Cannella L, Pavanello S. Cosmic chronometers: Is spaceflight a catalyst for biological ageing? Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102227. [PMID: 38346506 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Astronauts returning from space missions often exhibit health issues mirroring age-related conditions, suggesting spaceflight as a potential driver of biological ageing and age-related diseases. To unravel the underlying mechanisms of these conditions, this comprehensive review explores the impact of the space "exposome" on the twelve hallmarks of ageing. Through a meticulous analysis encompassing both space environments and terrestrial analogs, we aim to decipher how different conditions influence ageing hallmarks. Utilizing PubMed, we identified 189 studies and 60 meet screening criteria. Research on biological ageing in space has focused on genomic instability, chronic inflammation, and deregulated nutrient sensing. Spaceflight consistently induces genomic instability, linked to prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, triggers pro-inflammatory and immune alterations, resembling conditions in isolated simulations. Nutrient sensing pathways reveal increased systemic insulin-like growth-factor-1. Microbiome studies indicate imbalances favoring opportunistic species during spaceflight. Telomere dynamics present intriguing patterns, with lengthening during missions and rapid shortening upon return. Despite a pro-ageing trend, some protective mechanisms emerge. Countermeasures, encompassing dietary adjustments, prebiotics, postbiotics, symbiotics, tailored exercises, meditation, and anti-inflammatory supplements, exhibit potential. Spaceflight's impact on ageing is intricate, with diverse findings challenging established beliefs. Multidisciplinary studies provide guidance for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Campisi
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luana Cannella
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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Suman S, Fornace AJ. Countermeasure development against space radiation-induced gastrointestinal carcinogenesis: Current and future perspectives. LIFE SCIENCES IN SPACE RESEARCH 2022; 35:53-59. [PMID: 36336370 DOI: 10.1016/j.lssr.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A significantly higher probability of space radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) cancer incidence and mortality after a Mars mission has been projected using biophysical and statistical modeling approaches, and may exceed the current NASA mandated limit of less than 3% REID (risk of exposure-induced death). Since spacecraft shielding is not fully effective against heavy-ion space radiation, there is an unmet need to develop an effective medical countermeasure (MCM) strategy against heavy-ion space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis to safeguard astronauts. In the past, we have successfully applied a GI cancer mouse model approach to understand space radiation-induced GI cancer risk and associated molecular signaling events. We have also tested several potential MCMs to safeguard astronauts during and after a prolonged space mission. In this review, we provide an updated summary of MCM testing using the GI cancer mouse model approach, lessons learned, and a perspective on the senescence signaling targeting approach for desirable protection against space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis. Furthermore, we also discuss some of the advanced senotherapeutic candidates/combinations as a potential MCM for space radiation-induced GI carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhankar Suman
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington D. C. 20057, USA.
| | - Albert J Fornace
- Department of Oncology and Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Research Building, Room E504, 3970 Reservoir Rd., NW, Washington D. C. 20057, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D. C. 20057, USA
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