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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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Hamilton AN, Mirmahdi RS, Ubeyitogullari A, Romana CK, Baum JI, Gibson KE. From bytes to bites: Advancing the food industry with three-dimensional food printing. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13293. [PMID: 38284594 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13293] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The rapid advancement of three-dimensional (3D) printing (i.e., a type of additive manufacturing) technology has brought about significant advances in various industries, including the food industry. Among its many potential benefits, 3D food printing offers a promising solution to deliver products meeting the unique nutritional needs of diverse populations while also promoting sustainability within the food system. However, this is an emerging field, and there are several aspects to consider when planning for use of 3D food printing for large-scale food production. This comprehensive review explores the importance of food safety when using 3D printing to produce food products, including pathogens of concern, machine hygiene, and cleanability, as well as the role of macronutrients and storage conditions in microbial risks. Furthermore, postprocessing factors such as packaging, transportation, and dispensing of 3D-printed foods are discussed. Finally, this review delves into barriers of implementation of 3D food printers and presents both the limitations and opportunities of 3D food printing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson N Hamilton
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Razieh S Mirmahdi
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ali Ubeyitogullari
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Chetanjot K Romana
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Jamie I Baum
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kristen E Gibson
- Department of Food Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Center for Food Safety, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
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Douglas GL, DeKerlegand D, Dlouhy H, Dumont-Leblond N, Fields E, Heer M, Krieger S, Mehta S, Rooney BV, Torralba MG, Whiting SE, Crucian B, Lorenzi H, Smith SM, Young M, Zwart SR. Impact of diet on human nutrition, immune response, gut microbiome, and cognition in an isolated and confined mission environment. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20847. [PMID: 36522361 PMCID: PMC9755260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-duration spaceflight impacts human physiology, including well documented immune system dysregulation. The space food system has the potential to serve as a countermeasure to maladaptive physiological changes during spaceflight. However, the relationship between dietary requirements, the food system, and spaceflight adaptation requires further investigation to adequately define countermeasures and prioritize resources on future spaceflight missions. We evaluated the impact of an enhanced spaceflight diet, with increased quantity and variety of fruits, vegetables, fish, and other foods rich in flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids, compared to a standard spaceflight diet on multiple health and performance outcomes in 16 subjects over four 45-day closed chamber missions in the NASA Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA). Subjects consuming the enhanced spaceflight diet had lower cholesterol levels, lower stress (i.e. cortisol levels), better cognitive speed, accuracy, and attention, and a more stable microbiome and metatranscriptome than subjects consuming the standard diet. Although no substantial changes were observed in the immune response, there were also no immune challenges, such as illness or infection, so the full benefits of the diet may not have been apparent in these analog missions. These results indicate that a spaceflight diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids produces significant health and performance benefits even over short durations. Further investigation is required to fully develop dietary countermeasures to physiological decrements observed during spaceflight. These results will have implications for food resource prioritization on spaceflight missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L. Douglas
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | | | - Holly Dlouhy
- grid.481680.30000 0004 0634 8729KBR, Houston, TX USA
| | - Nathan Dumont-Leblond
- grid.421142.00000 0000 8521 1798Centre de Recherche de L’Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie Et de Pneumologie de Québec, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | | | - Martina Heer
- grid.10388.320000 0001 2240 3300IU International University of Applied Sciences and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian Crucian
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Hernan Lorenzi
- grid.469946.0J Craig Venter Institute, Rockville, MD USA
| | - Scott M. Smith
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Millennia Young
- grid.419085.10000 0004 0613 2864Human Health and Performance Directorate (SF4), NASA Johnson Space Center, 2101 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058 USA
| | - Sara R. Zwart
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
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Chaloulakou S, Poulia KA, Karayiannis D. Physiological Alterations in Relation to Space Flight: The Role of Nutrition. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224896. [PMID: 36432580 PMCID: PMC9699067 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Astronauts exhibit several pathophysiological changes due to a variety of stressors related to the space environment, including microgravity, space radiation, isolation, and confinement. Space motion sickness, bone and muscle mass loss, cardiovascular deconditioning and neuro-ocular syndrome are some of the spaceflight-induced effects on human health. Optimal nutrition is of the utmost importance, and-in combination with other measures, such as physical activity and pharmacological treatment-has a key role in mitigating many of the above conditions, including bone and muscle mass loss. Since the beginning of human space exploration, space food has not fully covered astronauts' needs. They often suffer from menu fatigue and present unintentional weight loss, which leads to further alterations. The purpose of this review was to explore the role of nutrition in relation to the pathophysiological effects of spaceflight on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavroula Chaloulakou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Anna Poulia
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karayiannis
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, “Evangelismos” General Hospital of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-213-2045035
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Neuroplasticity as a Foundation for Decision-Making in Space. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3030033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This is an exploratory review of two very recent, intersecting segments of space science: neuroplasticity in space, and decision-making in space. The high level of neuroplasticity in humans leads to unfortunate neurological and physical deconditioning while the body adjusts to the new space environment. However, neuroplasticity may also allow recovery and continued functioning of decision-making at a level necessary for mission completion. Cosmic radiation, microgravity, heightened levels of carbon dioxide in spacecraft, and other factors are being explored as root causes of neurological and physical deconditioning in space. The goal of this paper is to explore some of the lines of causation that show how these factors affect the capacity of humans to make decisions in space. Either alone or in groups, it remains essential that humans retain an ability to make decisions that will save lives, protect equipment, complete missions, and return safely to Earth. A final section addresses healthcare, medical intervention, and remediation that could help to “harness” neuroplasticity before, during, and after spaceflight. The dual nature of human neuroplasticity renders it both a cause of problems and also potentially the foundation of remediation. The future of research on both neuroplasticity and human decision-making promises to be full of surprises, both welcome and otherwise. It is an exciting time in research on space medicine.
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Arquilla K, Webb AK, Anderson AP. Isolation and confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons for human spaceflight. ACTA ASTRONAUTICA 2022; 196:282-289. [PMID: 35505825 PMCID: PMC9050187 DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2022.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astronauts live and work in isolated, confined, extreme (ICE) environments that create both high stress and the need for high performance. The COVID-19 pandemic created ICE-like conditions across the globe by confining people to their homes under the ever-present threat of disease. Our goal is to understand the impact of prior experience in ICE on coping, using the pandemic as a pseudo space analog environment. METHODS We administered a survey three times with 7 days between administrations. A total of 82 participants completed all three survey sessions, and these participants were divided into three groups for analysis. The first group is those with prior experience in an ICE environment (n = 17; 7F/10 M), the second is those aged 30-55 with a master's or doctoral degree and without prior experience (n = 22; 10F/12 M), and the third is the general population (n = 43; 27F/16 M). Linear mixed models were used for statistical analysis of the results, given the unequal sample sizes. RESULTS The experienced group did not show healthier mental health scores than the astronaut-like group, but both groups displayed higher scores than the general population. However, work productivity scores for the experienced group were higher on average than the other two groups. DISCUSSION Results suggest that prior experience in ICE may improve the capability to maintain productivity-corresponding to the idea of resilience. However, experience may not improve mental health maintenance, suggesting that other approaches are needed to prepare astronauts for the mental health stressors of long-duration exploration missions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Arquilla
- Ann and H. J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc, United States
| | - Andrea K Webb
- The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc, United States
| | - Allison P Anderson
- Ann and H. J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, United States
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Zhang L, Dong H, Yu Y, Liu L, Zang P. Application and challenges of
3D
food printing technology in manned spaceflight: a review. Int J Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.15879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Long‐zhen Zhang
- Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518117 China
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center Key Laboratory of Space Nutrition and Food Engineering Beijing 100094 China
| | - Hai‐sheng Dong
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center Key Laboratory of Space Nutrition and Food Engineering Beijing 100094 China
| | - Yan‐bo Yu
- Space Science and Technology Institute (Shenzhen) Shenzhen 518117 China
| | - Li‐yan Liu
- Lee Kum Kee (Xinhui) Food Co., Ltd. Jiangmen Guangdong 529156 China
| | - Peng Zang
- China Astronaut Research and Training Center Key Laboratory of Space Nutrition and Food Engineering Beijing 100094 China
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Enfield RE, Pandya JK, Lu J, McClements DJ, Kinchla AJ. The future of 3D food printing: Opportunities for space applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:10079-10092. [PMID: 35652158 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2077299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade or so, there have been major advances in the development of 3D printing technology to create innovative food products, including for printing foods in homes, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and even space flight missions. 3D food printing has the potential to customize foods for individuals based on their personal preferences for specific visual, textural, mouthfeel, flavor, or nutritional attributes. Material extrusion is the most common process currently used to 3D print foods, which is based on forcing a fluid or semi-solid food "ink" through a nozzle and then solidifying it. This type of 3D printing application for space missions is particularly promising because a wide range of foods can be produced from a limited number of food inks in a confined area. This is especially important for extended space missions because astronauts desire and require a variety of foods, but space and resources are minimal. This review highlights the potential applications of 3D printing for creating custom-made foods in space and the challenges that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Enfield
- Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janam K Pandya
- Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jiakai Lu
- Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amanda J Kinchla
- Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
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Abstract
History books are rife with examples of the role of nutrition in determining either the success or the failure of human exploration on Earth. With planetary exploration in our future, it is imperative that we understand the role of nutrition in optimizing health before humans can safely take the next giant leaps in space exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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10
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Sustaining Astronauts: Resource Limitations, Technology Needs, and Parallels between Spaceflight Food Systems and those on Earth. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13169424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Food and nutrition are critical to health and performance and therefore the success of human space exploration. However, the shelf-stable food system currently in use on the International Space Station is not sustainable as missions become longer and further from Earth, even with modification for mass and water efficiencies. Here, we provide a potential approach toward sustainability with the phased addition of bioregenerative foods over the course of NASA’s current mission plans. Significant advances in both knowledge and technology are still needed to inform nutrition, acceptability, safety, reliability, and resource and integration trades between bioregenerative and other food systems. Sustainability goals on Earth are driving similar research into bioregenerative solutions with the potential for infusion across spaceflight and Earth research that benefits both.
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Douglas GL, Zwart SR, Smith SM. Space Food for Thought: Challenges and Considerations for Food and Nutrition on Exploration Missions. J Nutr 2020; 150:2242-2244. [PMID: 32652037 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxaa188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Douglas
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sara R Zwart
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott M Smith
- Human Health and Performance Directorate, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
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