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Feigl V, Medgyes-Horváth A, Kari A, Török Á, Bombolya N, Berkl Z, Farkas É, Fekete-Kertész I. The potential of Hungarian bauxite residue isolates for biotechnological applications. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 41:e00825. [PMID: 38225962 PMCID: PMC10788403 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Bauxite residue (red mud) is considered an extremely alkaline and salty environment for the biota. We present the first attempt to isolate, identify and characterise microbes from Hungarian bauxite residues. Four identified bacterial strains belonged to the Bacilli class, one each to the Actinomycetia, Gammaproteobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria classes, and two to the Alphaproteobacteria class. All three identified fungi strains belonged to the Ascomycota division. Most strains tolerated pH 8-10 and salt content at 5-7% NaCl concentration. Alkalihalobacillus pseudofirmus BRHUB7 and Robertmurraya beringensis BRHUB9 can be considered halophilic and alkalitolerant. Priestia aryabhattai BRHUB2, Penicillium chrysogenum BRHUF1 and Aspergillus sp. BRHUF2 are halo- and alkalitolerant strains. Most strains produced siderophores and extracellular polymeric substances, could mobilise phosphorous, and were cellulose degraders. These strains and their enzymes are possible candidates for biotechnological applications in processes requiring extreme conditions, e.g. bioleaching of critical raw materials and rehabilitation of alkaline waste deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Feigl
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Anna Medgyes-Horváth
- ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Pázmány P. s. 1A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - András Kari
- ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Microbiology, Pázmány P. s. 1A, Budapest 1117, Hungary
| | - Ádám Török
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Nelli Bombolya
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Berkl
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
| | - Éva Farkas
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
- Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO), Division of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Biogeochemistry and Soil Quality, Høgskoleveien 7, 1432 Ås, Norway
| | - Ildikó Fekete-Kertész
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Applied Biotechnology and Food Science, Műegyetem Rkp 3., Budapest 1111, Hungary
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2
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Fais G, Casula M, Sidorowicz A, Manca A, Margarita V, Fiori PL, Pantaleo A, Caboni P, Cao G, Concas A. Cultivation of Chroococcidiopsis thermalis Using Available In Situ Resources to Sustain Life on Mars. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:251. [PMID: 38398760 PMCID: PMC10889959 DOI: 10.3390/life14020251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The cultivation of cyanobacteria by exploiting available in situ resources represents a possible way to supply food and oxygen to astronauts during long-term crewed missions on Mars. Here, we evaluated the possibility of cultivating the extremophile cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis thermalis CCALA 050 under operating conditions that should occur within a dome hosting a recently patented process to produce nutrients and oxygen on Mars. The medium adopted to cultivate this cyanobacterium, named Martian medium, was obtained using a mixture of regolith leachate and astronauts' urine simulants that would be available in situ resources whose exploitation could reduce the mission payload. The results demonstrated that C. thermalis can grow in such a medium. For producing high biomass, the best medium consisted of specific percentages (40%vol) of Martian medium and a standard medium (60%vol). Biomass produced in such a medium exhibits excellent antioxidant properties and contains significant amounts of pigments. Lipidomic analysis demonstrated that biomass contains strategic lipid classes able to help the astronauts facing the oxidative stress and inflammatory phenomena taking place on Mars. These characteristics suggest that this strain could serve as a valuable nutritional resource for astronauts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Fais
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (M.C.); (A.S.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mattia Casula
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (M.C.); (A.S.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Agnieszka Sidorowicz
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (M.C.); (A.S.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessia Manca
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.); (P.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Valentina Margarita
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.); (P.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Pier Luigi Fiori
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.); (P.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonella Pantaleo
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (A.M.); (V.M.); (P.L.F.); (A.P.)
| | - Pierluigi Caboni
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giacomo Cao
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (M.C.); (A.S.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Loc. Piscina Manna, Building 1, 09050 Pula, Italy
| | - Alessandro Concas
- Interdepartmental Centre of Environmental Science and Engineering (CINSA), University of Cagliari, Via San Giorgio 12, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (G.F.); (M.C.); (A.S.); (G.C.)
- Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
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3
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Rekadwad BN, Li WJ, Gonzalez JM, Punchappady Devasya R, Ananthapadmanabha Bhagwath A, Urana R, Parwez K. Extremophiles: the species that evolve and survive under hostile conditions. 3 Biotech 2023; 13:316. [PMID: 37637002 PMCID: PMC10457277 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Extremophiles possess unique cellular and molecular mechanisms to assist, tolerate, and sustain their lives in extreme habitats. These habitats are dominated by one or more extreme physical or chemical parameters that shape existing microbial communities and their cellular and genomic features. The diversity of extremophiles reflects a long list of adaptations over millions of years. Growing research on extremophiles has considerably uncovered and increased our understanding of life and its limits on our planet. Many extremophiles have been greatly explored for their application in various industrial processes. In this review, we focused on the characteristics that microorganisms have acquired to optimally thrive in extreme environments. We have discussed cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in stability at respective extreme conditions like thermophiles, psychrophiles, acidophiles, barophiles, etc., which highlight evolutionary aspects and the significance of extremophiles for the benefit of mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhagwan Narayan Rekadwad
- Present Address: Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018 Karnataka India
- National Centre for Microbial Resource (NCMR), DBT-National Centre for Cell Science (DBT-NCCS), Savitribai Phule Pune University Campus, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, 411007 Maharashtra India
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (IBB), Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), Ganeshkhind Road, Pune, 411007 Maharashtra India
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources and Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275 People’s Republic of China
| | - Juan M. Gonzalez
- Microbial Diversity and Microbiology of Extreme Environments Research Group, Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas, IRNAS-CSIC, Avda. Reina Mercedes, 10, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Rekha Punchappady Devasya
- Present Address: Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018 Karnataka India
| | - Arun Ananthapadmanabha Bhagwath
- Present Address: Division of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yenepoya Research Centre, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), University Road, Deralakatte, Mangalore, 575018 Karnataka India
- Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management, A Constituent Unit of Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Yenepoya Complex, Balmatta, Mangalore, 575002 Karnataka India
| | - Ruchi Urana
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Faculty of Environmental and Bio Sciences and Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana 125001 India
| | - Khalid Parwez
- Department of Microbiology, Shree Narayan Medical Institute and Hospital, Saharsa, Bihar 852201 India
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Cinti S, Singh S, Covone G, Tonietti L, Ricciardelli A, Cordone A, Iacono R, Mazzoli A, Moracci M, Rotundi A, Giovannelli D. Reviewing the state of biosensors and lab-on-a- chip technologies: opportunities for extreme environments and space exploration. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1215529. [PMID: 37664111 PMCID: PMC10470837 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1215529] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The space race is entering a new era of exploration, in which the number of robotic and human missions to various places in our solar system is rapidly increasing. Despite the recent advances in propulsion and life support technologies, there is a growing need to perform analytical measurements and laboratory experiments across diverse domains of science, while keeping low payload requirements. In this context, lab-on-a-chip nanobiosensors appear to be an emerging technology capable of revolutionizing space exploration, given their low footprint, high accuracy, and low payload requirements. To date, only some approaches for monitoring astronaut health in spacecraft environments have been reported. Although non-invasive molecular diagnostics, like lab-on-a-chip technology, are expected to improve the quality of long-term space missions, their application to monitor microbiological and environmental variables is rarely reported, even for analogous extreme environments on Earth. The possibility of evaluating the occurrence of unknown or unexpected species, identifying redox gradients relevant to microbial metabolism, or testing for specific possible biosignatures, will play a key role in the future of space microbiology. In this review, we will examine the current and potential roles of lab-on-a-chip technology in space exploration and in extreme environment investigation, reporting what has been tested so far, and clarifying the direction toward which the newly developed technologies of portable lab-on-a-chip sensors are heading for exploration in extreme environments and in space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Cinti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- BAT Center-Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Bioelectronics Task Force at University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sima Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Covone
- Department of Physics, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Tonietti
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Angelina Cordone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Iacono
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Arianna Mazzoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Moracci
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center, Palermo, Italy
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rotundi
- Department of Science and Technology, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
- INAF-IAPS, Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologie Spaziali, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- National Research Council–Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies–CNR-IRBIM, Ancona, Italy
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
- Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA, United States
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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5
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Flores P, McBride SA, Galazka JM, Varanasi KK, Zea L. Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in spaceflight is minimized on lubricant impregnated surfaces. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:66. [PMID: 37587131 PMCID: PMC10432549 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00316-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The undesirable, yet inevitable, presence of bacterial biofilms in spacecraft poses a risk to the proper functioning of systems and to astronauts' health. To mitigate the risks that arise from them, it is important to understand biofilms' behavior in microgravity. As part of the Space Biofilms project, biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were grown in spaceflight over material surfaces. Stainless Steel 316 (SS316) and passivated SS316 were tested for their relevance as spaceflight hardware components, while a lubricant impregnated surface (LIS) was tested as potential biofilm control strategy. The morphology and gene expression of biofilms were characterized. Biofilms in microgravity are less robust than on Earth. LIS strongly inhibits biofilm formation compared to SS. Furthermore, this effect is even greater in spaceflight than on Earth, making LIS a promising option for spacecraft use. Transcriptomic profiles for the different conditions are presented, and potential mechanisms of biofilm reduction on LIS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Flores
- BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | | | - Jonathan M Galazka
- Space Biosciences Division, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, 94035, USA
| | - Kripa K Varanasi
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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6
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Averesch NJH, Berliner AJ, Nangle SN, Zezulka S, Vengerova GL, Ho D, Casale CA, Lehner BAE, Snyder JE, Clark KB, Dartnell LR, Criddle CS, Arkin AP. Microbial biomanufacturing for space-exploration-what to take and when to make. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2311. [PMID: 37085475 PMCID: PMC10121718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37910-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As renewed interest in human space-exploration intensifies, a coherent and modernized strategy for mission design and planning has become increasingly crucial. Biotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to increase resilience, flexibility, and efficiency of missions, by virtue of its ability to effectively utilize in situ resources and reclaim resources from waste streams. Here we outline four primary mission-classes on Moon and Mars that drive a staged and accretive biomanufacturing strategy. Each class requires a unique approach to integrate biomanufacturing into the existing mission-architecture and so faces unique challenges in technology development. These challenges stem directly from the resources available in a given mission-class-the degree to which feedstocks are derived from cargo and in situ resources-and the degree to which loop-closure is necessary. As mission duration and distance from Earth increase, the benefits of specialized, sustainable biomanufacturing processes also increase. Consequentially, we define specific design-scenarios and quantify the usefulness of in-space biomanufacturing, to guide techno-economics of space-missions. Especially materials emerged as a potentially pivotal target for biomanufacturing with large impact on up-mass cost. Subsequently, we outline the processes needed for development, testing, and deployment of requisite technologies. As space-related technology development often does, these advancements are likely to have profound implications for the creation of a resilient circular bioeconomy on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils J H Averesch
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Aaron J Berliner
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Shannon N Nangle
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Circe Bioscience Inc., Somerville, MA, USA.
| | - Spencer Zezulka
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Information, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Gretchen L Vengerova
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Davian Ho
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Cameran A Casale
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin A E Lehner
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, Delft, South Holland, Netherlands
| | | | - Kevin B Clark
- Cures Within Reach, Chicago, IL, USA
- Champions Program, eXtreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment (XSEDE), Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Lewis R Dartnell
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Craig S Criddle
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adam P Arkin
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space (CUBES), Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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7
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Fernandez BG, Rothschild LJ, Fagliarone C, Chiavarini S, Billi D. Feasibility as feedstock of the cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. 029 cultivated with urine-supplemented moon and mars regolith simulants. ALGAL RES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2023.103044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
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8
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Santomartino R, Averesch NJH, Bhuiyan M, Cockell CS, Colangelo J, Gumulya Y, Lehner B, Lopez-Ayala I, McMahon S, Mohanty A, Santa Maria SR, Urbaniak C, Volger R, Yang J, Zea L. Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1391. [PMID: 36944638 PMCID: PMC10030976 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Finding sustainable approaches to achieve independence from terrestrial resources is of pivotal importance for the future of space exploration. This is relevant not only to establish viable space exploration beyond low Earth-orbit, but also for ethical considerations associated with the generation of space waste and the preservation of extra-terrestrial environments. Here we propose and highlight a series of microbial biotechnologies uniquely suited to establish sustainable processes for in situ resource utilization and loop-closure. Microbial biotechnologies research and development for space sustainability will be translatable to Earth applications, tackling terrestrial environmental issues, thereby supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Santomartino
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Nils J H Averesch
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Center for Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Charles S Cockell
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Yosephine Gumulya
- Centre for Microbiome Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Sean McMahon
- UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anurup Mohanty
- Blue Marble Space Institute of Science, 600 1st Ave, Floor 1, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Sergio R Santa Maria
- Space Biosciences, NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, CA, USA
- KBR, Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Camilla Urbaniak
- NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
- ZIN Technologies Inc, Middleburg Heights, OH, USA
| | - Rik Volger
- Department of Biotechnology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Jiseon Yang
- Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Luis Zea
- BioServe Space Technologies, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Abstract
Production of metals stands for 40% of all industrial greenhouse gas emissions, 10% of the global energy consumption, 3.2 billion tonnes of minerals mined, and several billion tonnes of by-products every year. Therefore, metals must become more sustainable. A circular economy model does not work, because market demand exceeds the available scrap currently by about two-thirds. Even under optimal conditions, at least one-third of the metals will also in the future come from primary production, creating huge emissions. Although the influence of metals on global warming has been discussed with respect to mitigation strategies and socio-economic factors, the fundamental materials science to make the metallurgical sector more sustainable has been less addressed. This may be attributed to the fact that the field of sustainable metals describes a global challenge, but not yet a homogeneous research field. However, the sheer magnitude of this challenge and its huge environmental effects, caused by more than 2 billion tonnes of metals produced every year, make its sustainability an essential research topic not only from a technological point of view but also from a basic materials research perspective. Therefore, this paper aims to identify and discuss the most pressing scientific bottleneck questions and key mechanisms, considering metal synthesis from primary (minerals), secondary (scrap), and tertiary (re-mined) sources as well as the energy-intensive downstream processing. Focus is placed on materials science aspects, particularly on those that help reduce CO2 emissions, and less on process engineering or economy. The paper does not describe the devastating influence of metal-related greenhouse gas emissions on climate, but scientific approaches how to solve this problem, through research that can render metallurgy fossil-free. The content is considering only direct measures to metallurgical sustainability (production) and not indirect measures that materials leverage through their properties (strength, weight, longevity, functionality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dierk Raabe
- Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
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10
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Gokhale CS, Velasque M, Denton JA. Ecological Drivers of Community Cohesion. mSystems 2023; 8:e0092922. [PMID: 36656037 PMCID: PMC9948702 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00929-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
From protocellular to societal, networks of living systems are complex and multiscale. Discerning the factors that facilitate assembly of these intricate interdependencies using pairwise interactions can be nearly impossible. To facilitate a greater understanding, we developed a mathematical and computational model based on a synthetic four-strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae interdependent system. Specifically, we aimed to provide a greater understanding of how ecological factors influence community dynamics. By leveraging transiently structured ecologies, we were able to drive community cohesion. We show how ecological interventions could reverse or slow the extinction rate of a cohesive community. An interconnected system first needs to persist long enough to be a subject of natural selection. Our emulation of Darwin's "warm little ponds" with an ecology governed by transient compartmentalization provided the necessary persistence. Our results reveal utility across scales of organization, stressing the importance of cyclic processes in major evolutionary transitions, engineering of synthetic microbial consortia, and conservation biology. IMPORTANCE We are facing unprecedented disruption and collapse of ecosystems across the globe. To have any hope of mitigating this phenomenon, a much greater understanding of ecosystem dynamics is required. However, ecosystems are typically composed of highly dynamic networks of individual species. These interactions are further modulated by abiotic and biotic factors that vary temporally and spatially. Thus, ecological dynamics are obfuscated by this complexity. Here, we developed a theoretical model, informed by a synthetic experimental system, of Darwin's "warm little ponds." This cycling four-species system seeks to elucidate the ecological factors that drive or inhibit interaction. We show that these factors could provide an essential tool for avoiding the accelerating ecological collapse. Our study also provides a starting point to develop a more encompassing model to inform conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya S. Gokhale
- Research Group for Theoretical Models of Eco-evolutionary Dynamics, Department of Evolutionary Theory, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön, Germany
| | - Mariana Velasque
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna-son, Japan
- Experimental Evolutionary Biology Lab, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jai A. Denton
- Genomics and Regulatory Systems Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Onna-son, Japan
- World Mosquito Program, Institute of Vector-borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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Cortesão M, Holland G, Schütze T, Laue M, Moeller R, Meyer V. Colony growth and biofilm formation of Aspergillus niger under simulated microgravity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975763. [PMID: 36212831 PMCID: PMC9539656 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The biotechnology- and medicine-relevant fungus Aspergillus niger is a common colonizer of indoor habitats such as the International Space Station (ISS). Being able to colonize and biodegrade a wide range of surfaces, A. niger can ultimately impact human health and habitat safety. Surface contamination relies on two key-features of the fungal colony: the fungal spores, and the vegetative mycelium, also known as biofilm. Aboard the ISS, microorganisms and astronauts are shielded from extreme temperatures and radiation, but are inevitably affected by spaceflight microgravity. Knowing how microgravity affects A. niger colony growth, in particular regarding the vegetative mycelium (biofilm) and spore production, will help prevent and control fungal contaminations in indoor habitats on Earth and in space. Because fungal colonies grown on agar can be considered analogs for surface contamination, we investigated A. niger colony growth on agar in normal gravity (Ground) and simulated microgravity (SMG) conditions by fast-clinorotation. Three strains were included: a wild-type strain, a pigmentation mutant (ΔfwnA), and a hyperbranching mutant (ΔracA). Our study presents never before seen scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of A. niger colonies that reveal a complex ultrastructure and biofilm architecture, and provide insights into fungal colony development, both on ground and in simulated microgravity. Results show that simulated microgravity affects colony growth in a strain-dependent manner, leading to thicker biofilms (vegetative mycelium) and increased spore production. We suggest that the Rho GTPase RacA might play a role in A. niger’s adaptation to simulated microgravity, as deletion of ΔracA leads to changes in biofilm thickness, spore production and total biomass. We also propose that FwnA-mediated melanin production plays a role in A. niger’s microgravity response, as ΔfwnA mutant colonies grown under SMG conditions showed increased colony area and spore production. Taken together, our study shows that simulated microgravity does not inhibit A. niger growth, but rather indicates a potential increase in surface-colonization. Further studies addressing fungal growth and surface contaminations in spaceflight should be conducted, not only to reduce the risk of negatively impacting human health and spacecraft material safety, but also to positively utilize fungal-based biotechnology to acquire needed resources in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cortesão
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Marta Cortesão,
| | - Gudrun Holland
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Tabea Schütze
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Laue
- Robert Koch Institute, Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy (ZBS 4), Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Moeller
- German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Radiation Biology Department, Aerospace Microbiology Research Group, Cologne, Germany
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Averesch NJH, Shunk GK, Kern C. Cultivation of the Dematiaceous Fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum Aboard the International Space Station and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:877625. [PMID: 35865919 PMCID: PMC9294542 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.877625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In Space, cosmic radiation is a strong, ubiquitous form of energy with constant flux, and the ability to harness it could greatly enhance the energy-autonomy of expeditions across the solar system. At the same time, radiation is the greatest permanent health risk for humans venturing into deep space. To protect astronauts beyond Earth's magnetosphere, advanced shielding against ionizing as well as non-ionizing radiation is highly sought after. In search of innovative solutions to these challenges, biotechnology appeals with suitability for in situ resource utilization (ISRU), self-regeneration, and adaptability. Where other organisms fail, certain microscopic fungi thrive in high-radiation environments on Earth, showing high radioresistance. The adaptation of some of these molds to areas, such as the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone has coined the terms positive "radiotropism" and "radiotrophy", reflecting the affinity to and stimulation by radiation, and sometimes even enhanced growth under ionizing conditions. These abilities may be mediated by the pigment melanin, many forms of which also have radioprotective properties. The expectation is that these capabilities are extendable to radiation in space. To study its growth in space, an experiment cultivating Cladosporium sphaerospermum Penzig ATCC® 11289™ aboard the International Space Station (ISS) was conducted while monitoring radiation beneath the formed biomass in comparison to a no-growth negative control. A qualitative growth advantage in space was observable. Quantitatively, a 1.21 ± 0.37-times higher growth rate than in the ground control was determined, which might indicate a radioadaptive response to space radiation. In addition, a reduction in radiation compared to the negative control was discernable, which is potentially attributable to the fungal biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils J. H. Averesch
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
- Center for the Utilization of Biological Engineering in Space, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Graham K. Shunk
- Physics Department, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Durham, NC, United States
- Higher Orbits “Go for Launch!” Program, Leesburg, VA, United States
| | - Christoph Kern
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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