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Zhang Y, Li Z, Peng Y, Guo Z, Wang H, Wei T, Shakir Y, Jiang G, Deng Y. Microbiome in a ground-based analog cabin of China Space Station during a 50-day human occupation. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:ycae013. [PMID: 38495633 PMCID: PMC10942772 DOI: 10.1093/ismeco/ycae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Dead-corner areas in space station that untouched by the clean-up campaign often experience microorganisms outbreaks, but the microbiome of these areas has never been studied. In this study, the microbiome in a ground-based analog ``Tianhe'' core module of China Space Station was first investigated during a 50-day three-crew occupation. Dead-corner areas were receiving attention by adopting a new sampling method. Results indicate that the astronauts occupation did not affect the dominant bacteria community, but affected a small proportion. Due to the frequent activity of astronauts in the work and sleep areas, the biomarkers in these two areas are common human skin surface and gut microorganisms, respectively. For areas that astronaut rarely visits, the biomarkers in which are common environmental microbial groups. Fluorescence counting showed that 70.12-84.78% of bacteria were alive, with a quantity of 104-105 cells/100 cm2. With the occupation time extension, the number of microorganisms increased. At the same sampling time, there was no significant bioburden difference in various locations. The cultivable bioburden ranged from 101 to 104 colony forming unit (CFU)/100 cm2, which are the following eight genera Penicillium, Microsphaeropsis, Stachybotrys, Humicola, Cladosporium, Bacillus, Planomicrobium, and Acinetobacter. Chryseomicrobium genus may be a key focus for future microbial prevention and control work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zhidong Li
- Office of International Business and Technology Application, Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, Beijing 100094, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Zimu Guo
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hong Wang
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tao Wei
- School of Life Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yasmeen Shakir
- Department of Biochemistry, Hazara University, Mansehra 21120, Pakistan
| | - Guohua Jiang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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2
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Passive limitation of surface contamination by perFluoroDecylTrichloroSilane coatings in the ISS during the MATISS experiments. NPJ Microgravity 2022; 8:31. [PMID: 35927552 PMCID: PMC9352769 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-022-00218-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Future long-duration human spaceflight will require developments to limit biocontamination of surface habitats. The MATISS (Microbial Aerosol Tethering on Innovative Surfaces in the international Space Station) experiments allowed for exposing surface treatments in the ISS (International Space Station) using a sample-holder developed to this end. Three campaigns of FDTS (perFluoroDecylTrichloroSilane) surface exposures were performed over monthly durations during distinct periods. Tile scanning optical microscopy (×3 and ×30 magnifications) showed a relatively clean environment with a few particles on the surface (0.8 to 7 particles per mm2). The varied densities and shapes in the coarse area fraction (50-1500 µm2) indicated different sources of contamination in the long term, while the bacteriomorph shapes of the fine area fraction (0.5-15 µm2) were consistent with microbial contamination. The surface contamination rates correlate to astronauts' occupancy rates on board. Asymmetric particles density profiles formed throughout time along the air-flow. The higher density values were located near the flow entry for the coarse particles, while the opposite was the case for the fine particles, probably indicating the hydrophobic interaction of particles with the FDTS surface.
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Yang J, Fu Y, Liu H. Microbiomes of air dust collected during the ground-based closed bioregenerative life support experiment "Lunar Palace 365". ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME 2022; 17:4. [PMID: 35081988 PMCID: PMC8793263 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-022-00399-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamics of airborne microbial communities and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in space life support systems is important because potential pathogens and antibiotic resistance pose a health risk to crew that can lead to mission failure. There have been few reports on the distribution patterns of microbiomes and ARGs in space life support systems. In particular, there have been no detailed investigations of microbiomes and/or antibiotic resistance based on molecular methods in long-term confined bioregenerative life support systems (BLSSs). Therefore, in the present study, we collected air dust samples from two crew shifts, different areas, and different time points in the "Lunar Palace 365" experiment. We evaluated microbial diversity, species composition, functional potential, and antibiotic resistance by combining cultivation-independent analyses (amplicon, shot-gun sequencing, and qPCR). RESULTS We found that the bacterial community diversity in the Lunar Palace1 (LP1) system was higher than that in a controlled environment but lower than that in an open environment. Personnel exchange led to significant differences in bacterial community diversity, and source tracking analysis revealed that most bacteria in the air derived from the cabin crew and plants, but no differences in microbial function or antibiotic resistance were observed. Thus, human presence had the strongest effect on the succession of microbial diversity in the BLSSs. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that microbial diversity in BLSSs is heavily influenced by changes in crew and is unique from other open and controlled environments. Our findings can be used to help develop safe, enclosed BLSS that meet the requirements of human survival and habitation in outer space. In addition, our results can further enhance our understanding of the indoor air microbial community and effectively maintain a safe working and living environment, including plant growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlou Yang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yuming Fu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, No. 37 Xueyuan Road, Beijing, 100191, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Virtual Reality Technology and Systems, School of Computer Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- International Joint Research Center of Aerospace Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Khodadad CLM, Oubre CM, Castro VA, Flint SM, Roman MC, Ott CM, Spern CJ, Hummerick ME, Maldonado Vazquez GJ, Birmele MN, Whitlock Q, Scullion M, Flowers CM, Wheeler RM, Melendez O. A Microbial Monitoring System Demonstrated on the International Space Station Provides a Successful Platform for Detection of Targeted Microorganisms. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:492. [PMID: 34072140 PMCID: PMC8229003 DOI: 10.3390/life11060492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Closed environments such as the International Space Station (ISS) and spacecraft for other planned interplanetary destinations require sustainable environmental control systems for manned spaceflight and habitation. These systems require monitoring for microbial contaminants and potential pathogens that could foul equipment or affect the health of the crew. Technological advances may help to facilitate this environmental monitoring, but many of the current advances do not function as expected in reduced gravity conditions. The microbial monitoring system (RAZOR® EX) is a compact, semi-quantitative rugged PCR instrument that was successfully tested on the ISS using station potable water. After a series of technical demonstrations between ISS and ground laboratories, it was determined that the instruments functioned comparably and provided a sample to answer flow in approximately 1 hour without enrichment or sample manipulation. Post-flight, additional advancements were accomplished at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, FL, USA, to expand the instrument's detections of targeted microorganisms of concern such as water, food-borne, and surface microbes including Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Aeromonas hydrophilia. Early detection of contaminants and bio-fouling microbes will increase crew safety and the ability to make appropriate operational decisions to minimize exposure to these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L. M. Khodadad
- Kennedy Space Center, Amentum Services, Inc., LASSO, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.E.H.)
| | - Cherie M. Oubre
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, TX 77058, USA; (C.M.O.); (S.M.F.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Victoria A. Castro
- Johnson Space Center, Government Solutions, KBR, Houston, TX 77058, USA;
| | - Stephanie M. Flint
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, TX 77058, USA; (C.M.O.); (S.M.F.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Monsi C. Roman
- Marshall Space Flight Center, Science and Technology Office, NASA, Huntsville, AL 35808, USA;
| | - Charlie Mark Ott
- Johnson Space Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Houston, TX 77058, USA; (C.M.O.); (S.M.F.); (C.M.O.)
| | - Cory J. Spern
- Kennedy Space Center, Amentum Services, Inc., LASSO, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.E.H.)
| | - Mary E. Hummerick
- Kennedy Space Center, Amentum Services, Inc., LASSO, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA; (C.J.S.); (M.E.H.)
| | | | | | - Quinn Whitlock
- BioFire Defense, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, USA; (Q.W.); (M.S.); (C.M.F.)
| | - Matt Scullion
- BioFire Defense, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, USA; (Q.W.); (M.S.); (C.M.F.)
| | | | - Raymond M. Wheeler
- Kennedy Space Center, ISS Utilization, UB-A, NASA, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA; (R.M.W.); (O.M.)
| | - Orlando Melendez
- Kennedy Space Center, ISS Utilization, UB-A, NASA, Merritt Island, FL 32899, USA; (R.M.W.); (O.M.)
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Mahnert A, Verseux C, Schwendner P, Koskinen K, Kumpitsch C, Blohs M, Wink L, Brunner D, Goessler T, Billi D, Moissl-Eichinger C. Microbiome dynamics during the HI-SEAS IV mission, and implications for future crewed missions beyond Earth. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:27. [PMID: 33487169 PMCID: PMC7831191 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-020-00959-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human health is closely interconnected with its microbiome. Resilient microbiomes in, on, and around the human body will be key for safe and successful long-term space travel. However, longitudinal dynamics of microbiomes inside confined built environments are still poorly understood. Herein, we used the Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation IV (HI-SEAS IV) mission, a 1 year-long isolation study, to investigate microbial transfer between crew and habitat, in order to understand adverse developments which may occur in a future outpost on the Moon or Mars. RESULTS Longitudinal 16S rRNA gene profiles, as well as quantitative observations, revealed significant differences in microbial diversity, abundance, and composition between samples of the built environment and its crew. The microbiome composition and diversity associated with abiotic surfaces was found to be rather stable, whereas the microbial skin profiles of individual crew members were highly dynamic, resulting in an increased microbiome diversity at the end of the isolation period. The skin microbiome dynamics were especially pronounced by a regular transfer of the indicator species Methanobrevibacter between crew members within the first 200 days. Quantitative information was used to track the propagation of antimicrobial resistance in the habitat. Together with functional and phenotypic predictions, quantitative and qualitative data supported the observation of a delayed longitudinal microbial homogenization between crew and habitat surfaces which was mainly caused by a malfunctioning sanitary facility. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights main routes of microbial transfer, interaction of the crew, and origins of microbial dynamics in an isolated environment. We identify key targets of microbial monitoring, and emphasize the need for defined baselines of microbiome diversity and abundance on surfaces and crew skin. Targeted manipulation to counteract adverse developments of the microbiome could be a highly important strategy to ensure safety during future space endeavors. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Mahnert
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Cyprien Verseux
- Laboratory of Applied Space Microbiology, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), University of Bremen, Am Fallturm 2, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Petra Schwendner
- University of Florida, Space Life Sciences Lab, 505 Odyssey Way, Exploration Park, N. Merritt Island, FL 32953 USA
| | - Kaisa Koskinen
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christina Kumpitsch
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marcus Blohs
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Lisa Wink
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Brunner
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Theodora Goessler
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Daniela Billi
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica s.n.c, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Interactive Microbiome Research, Diagnostic & Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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6
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Rutter L, Barker R, Bezdan D, Cope H, Costes SV, Degoricija L, Fisch KM, Gabitto MI, Gebre S, Giacomello S, Gilroy S, Green SJ, Mason CE, Reinsch SS, Szewczyk NJ, Taylor DM, Galazka JM, Herranz R, Muratani M. A New Era for Space Life Science: International Standards for Space Omics Processing. PATTERNS (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 1:100148. [PMID: 33336201 PMCID: PMC7733874 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2020.100148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Space agencies have announced plans for human missions to the Moon to prepare for Mars. However, the space environment presents stressors that include radiation, microgravity, and isolation. Understanding how these factors affect biology is crucial for safe and effective crewed space exploration. There is a need to develop countermeasures, to adapt plants and microbes for nutrient sources and bioregenerative life support, and to limit pathogen infection. Scientists across the world are conducting space omics experiments on model organisms and, more recently, on humans. Optimal extraction of actionable scientific discoveries from these precious datasets will only occur at the collective level with improved standardization. To address this shortcoming, we established ISSOP (International Standards for Space Omics Processing), an international consortium of scientists who aim to enhance standard guidelines between space biologists at a global level. Here we introduce our consortium and share past lessons learned and future challenges related to spaceflight omics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Rutter
- Transborder Medical Research Center and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Richard Barker
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Daniela Bezdan
- Institute of Medical Virology and Epidemiology of Viral Diseases, University Hospital, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Henry Cope
- School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
| | - Sylvain V. Costes
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Kathleen M. Fisch
- Center for Computational Biology & Bioinformatics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Mariano I. Gabitto
- Flatiron Institute, Center for Computational Biology, Simons Foundation, New York, NY 10010, USA
| | - Samrawit Gebre
- KBR, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | | | - Simon Gilroy
- Department of Botany, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Stefan J. Green
- Genome Research Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA
- The WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- The Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sigrid S. Reinsch
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Nathaniel J. Szewczyk
- Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute (OMNI), Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Deanne M. Taylor
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan M. Galazka
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035, USA
| | - Raul Herranz
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas “Margarita Salas” (CSIC), Ramiro de Maeztu 9, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Transborder Medical Research Center and Department of Genome Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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Towards a passive limitation of particle surface contamination in the Columbus module (ISS) during the MATISS experiment of the Proxima Mission. NPJ Microgravity 2020; 6:29. [PMID: 33102694 PMCID: PMC7576818 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-020-00120-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Future long-duration human spaceflight calls for developments to limit biocontamination of the surface habitats. The MATISS experiment tests surface treatments in the ISS’s atmosphere. Four sample holders were mounted with glass lamella with hydrophobic coatings, and exposed in the Columbus module for ~6 months. About 7800 particles were detected by tile scanning optical microscopy (×3 and ×30 magnification) indicating a relatively clean environment (a few particles per mm2), but leading to a significant coverage-rate (>2% in 20 years). Varied shapes were displayed in the coarse (50–1500 µm2) and fine (0.5–50 µm2) area fractions, consistent with scale dices (tissue or skin) and microbial cells, respectively. The 200–900 µm2 fraction of the coarse particles was systematically higher on FDTS and SiOCH than on Parylene, while the opposite was observed for the <10 µm2 fraction of the fine particles. This trend suggests two biocontamination sources and a surface deposition impacted by hydrophobic coatings.
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Amalfitano S, Levantesi C, Copetti D, Stefani F, Locantore I, Guarnieri V, Lobascio C, Bersani F, Giacosa D, Detsis E, Rossetti S. Water and microbial monitoring technologies towards the near future space exploration. WATER RESEARCH 2020; 177:115787. [PMID: 32315899 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Space exploration is demanding longer lasting human missions and water resupply from Earth will become increasingly unrealistic. In a near future, the spacecraft water monitoring systems will require technological advances to promptly identify and counteract contingent events of waterborne microbial contamination, posing health risks to astronauts with lowered immune responsiveness. The search for bio-analytical approaches, alternative to those applied on Earth by cultivation-dependent methods, is pushed by the compelling need to limit waste disposal and avoid microbial regrowth from analytical carryovers. Prospective technologies will be selected only if first validated in a flight-like environment, by following basic principles, advantages, and limitations beyond their current applications on Earth. Starting from the water monitoring activities applied on the International Space Station, we provide a critical overview of the nucleic acid amplification-based approaches (i.e., loop-mediated isothermal amplification, quantitative PCR, and high-throughput sequencing) and early-warning methods for total microbial load assessments (i.e., ATP-metry, flow cytometry), already used at a high readiness level aboard crewed space vehicles. Our findings suggest that the forthcoming space applications of mature technologies will be necessarily bounded by a compromise between analytical performances (e.g., speed to results, identification depth, reproducibility, multiparametricity) and detrimental technical requirements (e.g., reagent usage, waste production, operator skills, crew time). As space exploration progresses toward extended missions to Moon and Mars, miniaturized systems that also minimize crew involvement in their end-to-end operation are likely applicable on the long-term and suitable for the in-flight water and microbiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Amalfitano
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy.
| | - Caterina Levantesi
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Copetti
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Stefani
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via del Mulino 19, 20861, Brugherio, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Locantore
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Guarnieri
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Cesare Lobascio
- Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA, Strada Antica di Collegno, 253 - 10146, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Bersani
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so Unità d'Italia 235/3, 10127, Torino, Italy
| | - Donatella Giacosa
- Centro Ricerche SMAT, Società Metropolitana Acque Torino S.p.A., C.so Unità d'Italia 235/3, 10127, Torino, Italy
| | - Emmanouil Detsis
- European Science Foundation, 1 quai Lezay Marnésia, BP 90015, 67080, Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Simona Rossetti
- Water Research Institute - National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Via Salaria Km 29,300, 00015, Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
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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: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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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10
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Mora M, Mahnert A, Koskinen K, Pausan MR, Oberauner-Wappis L, Krause R, Perras AK, Gorkiewicz G, Berg G, Moissl-Eichinger C. Microorganisms in Confined Habitats: Microbial Monitoring and Control of Intensive Care Units, Operating Rooms, Cleanrooms and the International Space Station. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1573. [PMID: 27790191 PMCID: PMC5061736 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoor environments, where people spend most of their time, are characterized by a specific microbial community, the indoor microbiome. Most indoor environments are connected to the natural environment by high ventilation, but some habitats are more confined: intensive care units, operating rooms, cleanrooms and the international space station (ISS) are extraordinary living and working areas for humans, with a limited exchange with the environment. The purposes for confinement are different: a patient has to be protected from infections (intensive care unit, operating room), product quality has to be assured (cleanrooms), or confinement is necessary due to extreme, health-threatening outer conditions, as on the ISS. The ISS represents the most secluded man-made habitat, constantly inhabited by humans since November 2000 – and, inevitably, also by microorganisms. All of these man-made confined habitats need to be microbiologically monitored and controlled, by e.g., microbial cleaning and disinfection. However, these measures apply constant selective pressures, which support microbes with resistance capacities against antibiotics or chemical and physical stresses and thus facilitate the rise of survival specialists and multi-resistant strains. In this article, we summarize the available data on the microbiome of aforementioned confined habitats. By comparing the different operating, maintenance and monitoring procedures as well as microbial communities therein, we emphasize the importance to properly understand the effects of confinement on the microbial diversity, the possible risks represented by some of these microorganisms and by the evolution of (antibiotic) resistances in such environments – and the need to reassess the current hygiene standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Mora
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | - Alexander Mahnert
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz Austria
| | - Kaisa Koskinen
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria; BioTechMed-Graz, GrazAustria
| | - Manuela R Pausan
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | | | - Robert Krause
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz Austria
| | - Alexandra K Perras
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria; Department for Microbiology, University of Regensburg, RegensburgGermany
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- BioTechMed-Graz, GrazAustria; Department of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, GrazAustria
| | - Gabriele Berg
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology, Graz University of Technology, Graz Austria
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Moissl-Eichinger C, Cockell C, Rettberg P. Venturing into new realms? Microorganisms in space. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2016; 40:722-37. [PMID: 27354346 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuw015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the biggest challenges of science is the determination of whether extraterrestrial life exists. Although potential habitable areas might be available for complex life, it is more likely that microbial life could exist in space. Many extremotolerant and extremophilic microbes have been found to be able to withstand numerous, combined environmental factors, such as high or low temperatures and pressures, high-salt conditions, high doses of radiation, desiccation or nutrient limitations. They may even survive the transit from one planet to another. Terrestrial Mars-analogue sites are one focus of researchers, in order to understand the microbial diversity in preparation for upcoming space missions aimed at the detection of life. However, such missions could also pose a risk with respect to contamination of the extraterrestrial environment by accidentally transferred terrestrial microorganisms. Closer to the Earth, the International Space Station is the most enclosed habitat, where humans work and live-and with them numerous microorganisms. It is still unknown how microbes adapt to this environment, possibly even creating a risk for the crew. Information on the microbiology of the ISS will have an impact on the planning and implementation of long-term human spaceflights in order to ensure a safe, stable and balanced microbiome on board.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Moissl-Eichinger
- Department for Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria BioTechMed Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Charles Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH10 4EP, UK
| | - Petra Rettberg
- Radiation Biology Department, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), 51147 Cologne, Germany
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Yamaguchi N, Roberts M, Castro S, Oubre C, Makimura K, Leys N, Grohmann E, Sugita T, Ichijo T, Nasu M. Microbial monitoring of crewed habitats in space-current status and future perspectives. Microbes Environ 2014; 29:250-60. [PMID: 25130885 PMCID: PMC4159036 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me14031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous space research conducted during short-term flight experiments and long-term environmental monitoring on board orbiting space stations suggests that the relationship between humans and microbes is altered in the crewed habitat in space. Both human physiology and microbial communities adapt to spaceflight. Microbial monitoring is critical to crew safety in long-duration space habitation and the sustained operation of life support systems on space transit vehicles, space stations, and surface habitats. To address this critical need, space agencies including NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), ESA (European Space Agency), and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) are working together to develop and implement specific measures to monitor, control, and counteract biological contamination in closed-environment systems. In this review, the current status of microbial monitoring conducted in the International Space Station (ISS) as well as the results of recent microbial spaceflight experiments have been summarized and future perspectives are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuyasu Yamaguchi
- Environmental Science and Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University
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Venkateswaran K, La Duc MT, Horneck G. Microbial existence in controlled habitats and their resistance to space conditions. Microbes Environ 2014; 29:243-9. [PMID: 25130881 PMCID: PMC4159035 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The National Research Council (NRC) has recently recognized the International Space Station (ISS) as uniquely suitable for furthering the study of microbial species in closed habitats. Answering the NRC’s call for the study, in particular, of uncommon microbial species in the ISS, and/or of those that have significantly increased or decreased in number, space microbiologists have begun capitalizing on the maturity, speed, and cost-effectiveness of molecular/genomic microbiological technologies to elucidate changes in microbial populations in the ISS and other closed habitats. Since investigators can only collect samples infrequently from the ISS itself due to logistical reasons, Earth analogs, such as spacecraft-assembly clean rooms, are used and extensively characterized for the presence of microbes. Microbiologists identify the predominant, problematic, and extremophilic microbial species in these closed habitats and use the ISS as a testbed to study their resistance to extreme extraterrestrial environmental conditions. Investigators monitor the microbes exposed to the real space conditions in order to track their genomic changes in response to the selective pressures present in outer space (external to the ISS) and the spaceflight (in the interior of the ISS). In this review, we discussed the presence of microbes in space research-related closed habitats and the resistance of some microbial species to the extreme environmental conditions of space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasthuri Venkateswaran
- Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group, California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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