Results for “microbial systems” — Page 20

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of a Space Compatible Biomanufacturing System

Space biomanufacturing is a potential In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) strategy to provide critical consumables and products while minimizing the launched mass for long-duration, deep space missions. On Earth, the primary biological conversion of CO 2 to biomass is through photosynthesis, and sugars from photosynthetic organisms are used as feedstocks for microbial biomanufacturing. The efficiency of non-biological reduction of CO 2 to organic molecules, such as acetate or ethanol, has greatly increased in recent years. We are designing a biomanufacturing system to rely on electrochemical CO 2 conversion products for carbon substrates to support microbial growth and production of recombinant proteins. The preliminary design includes a gas-permeable membrane bioreactor with dry salts that are rehydrated and mixed with the carbon source to support growth of bacteria or yeast. The system architecture has a partially automated bioprocessing system to concentrate biomass and purify recombinant protein. This system is designed to operate semi-autonomously with minimal crew intervention. The specific use-case scenario is to produce a thermal stable carbonic anhydrase to increase the efficiency of a proposed liquid amine CO 2 removal subsystem of an environmental control and life-support system (ECLSS) on Mars.

Recombinant↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Nearest-Neighbor Machine Learning Feature Selection for Interpretation of Microbial Molecular Signatures from Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry Data

Mass spectrometry (MS) promises to be a powerful tool for potential biosignature detection during astrobiological missions on ocean worlds in our solar system. Accurate and generalizable machine learning methods could enhance science return on investment by predicting seawater chemistry and classifying isotopic biosignatures, either as a signature consistent with microbial life (biotic) or as a novelty (unclassified/unique). However, machine learning models are likely to be complex and involve interactions between MS features, making biosignatures difficult to interpret. Feature selection methods provide biological and chemical context that help interpret the mechanisms of machine learning models, but these methods also need the ability to detect complex interactions. Previously, we developed a machine learning feature selection algorithm called nearest-neighbor projected distance regression (NPDR) that has the ability to identify important model features that involve complex interactions and automatically reduce correlation and the dimensionality in a high-dimensional variable space. The standard distance metrics used in NPDR – Manhattan and Euclidean – assume the multivariate data are isotropic, which is often violated in real data due to differences in the covariance between variables. Thus, we extend NPDR to include a random forest distance, and other anisotropic distance metrics, for computing nearest neighbors. We also augment the isotope-ratio MS data with time-series features from the raw MS signal to improve biotic classification. We test NPDR on our novel experimental ocean world seawater analog MS data. We measure isotope fractionations of volatile CO 2 that could be measured in exospheres or plumes. Samples include baseline abiotic conditions using a range of possible seawater chemistry consistent with Europa and Enceladus, and biotic samples that include microbes in these seawaters. We use penalized NPDR with random forest proximity to identify interpretable microbial molecular signatures. We compare features with random forest importance, and we train a classifier that discriminates between biotic and abiotic samples with high accuracy. These ML-trained ocean-world analog MS data could be used to assist in identifying biosignatures during future missions.

geochemistry↗

NASA NTRS2011

The Effect of Plant Cultivar, Growth Media, Harvest Method and Post Harvest Treatment on the Microbiology of Edible Crops

Systems for the growth of crops in closed environments are being developed and tested for potential use in space applications to provide a source of fresh food. Plant growth conditions, growth media composition and harvest methods can have an effect on the microbial population of the plant, and therefore should be considered along with the optimization of plant growth and harvest yields to ensure a safe and palatable food crop. This work examines the effect of plant cultivar, growth media, and harvest method on plant microbial populations. Twelve varieties of leafy greens and herbs were grown on a mixture of Fafard #2 and Arcillite in the pillow root containment system currently being considered for the VEGGIE plant growth unit developed by Orbitec. In addition, ,Sierra and Outredgeous lettuce varieties were grown in three different mixtures (Fafard #2, Ardllite, and Perlite/Vermiculite). The plants were analyzed for microbial density. Two harvest methods, "cut and come again" (CACA) and terminal harvest were also compared. In one set ofexpe'riments red leaf lettuce and mizuna were grown in pots in a Biomass Production System for education. Plants were harvested every two weeks by either method. Another set of experiments was performed using the rooting pillows to grow 5 varieties of leafy greens and cut harvesting at different intervals. Radishes were harvested and replanted at two-week intervals. Results indicate up to a 3 IOglO difference in microbial counts between some varieties of plants. Rooting medium resulted in an approximately 2 IOglO lower count in the lettuce grown in arscillite then those grown in the other mixtures. Harvest method and frequency had less impact on microbial counts only showing a significant increase in one variety of plant. Post harvest methods to decrease the bacterial counts on edible crops were investigated in these and other experiments. The effectiveness of PRO-SAN and UV-C radiation is compared.

Hummerick, Mary P.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Reduction of Equivalent System Mass of a Trash Compaction Processing System with an Emphasis on Improved Thermal Efficiency

A device known as the Trash Compaction Processing System or TCPS has been under development at NASA as part of the Advanced Life Support and Logistics Reduction Program Waste Management element. The TCPS processes trash that includes a variety of components such as plastic pouches that contain wet food and drinks, used cloth towels and t-shirts, adhesive tapes, deodorant, and many other items. The TCPS uses heat and pressure to compact the waste composite into a sturdy and well-defined shape designed to fit in a storage area on a spacecraft. The TCPS removes water from the trash and renders it safe against microbial activity. The focus of this paper is on methods for reducing the Equivalent System Mass of a TCPS with an emphasis on increasing the thermal efficiency of the system.

Trash Compaction Processing System↗

NASA NTRS2004

Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD): Bridging Technology Readiness for Exploration

At Marshall Space Flight Center we have established a capability to investigate the use of microfluidics for space flight. The Lab-On-a-Chip Application Development (LOCAD) team has created a program for advancing Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of 1 and 2 to TRL 6 and 7, quickly and economically for Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) applications. Scientists and engineers can utilize LOCAD'S process to efficiently learn about microfluidics and determine if microfluidics is applicable to their needs. Once the applicability has been determined, LOCAD can then perform tests to develop the new fluidic protocols which are different from macro-scale chemical reaction protocols. With this information new micro-fluidic devices can be created and tested. Currently, LOCAD is focused on using microfluidics for both Environmental Monitoring & Control, and Medical Systems. Eventually, handheld portable units utilizing LOC technology will perform rapid tests to determine water quality, and microbial contamination levels. Since LOC technology is drastically reduced in physical size, it thereby reduces power, weight, volume, and sample requirements, a big advantage considering the resource constraints associated with spaceflight. Another one of LOCAD's current activities is the development of a microfluidic system to aid in the search for life on Mars.

Spearing, Scott F.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

CO2-Based Manufacturing System for Recombinant Protein Production

Space biomanufacturing is a potential In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) strategy to provide critical consumables and products while minimizing the launched mass for long-duration, deep space missions. On Earth, the primary biological conversion of CO 2 to biomass is through photosynthesis, and sugars from photosynthetic organisms are used as feedstocks for microbial biomanufacturing. The efficiency of non-biological reduction of CO 2 to organic molecules, such as acetate or ethanol, has greatly increased in recent years. We are designing a biomanufacturing system to rely on electrochemical CO 2 conversion products for carbon substrates to support microbial growth and production of recombinant proteins. The preliminary design includes a gas-permeable membrane bioreactor with dry salts that are rehydrated and mixed with the carbon source to support growth of bacteria or yeast. The system architecture has a partially automated bioprocessing system to concentrate biomass and purify recombinant protein. This system is designed to operate semi-autonomously with minimal crew intervention. The specific use-case scenario is to produce a thermal stable carbonic anhydrase to increase the efficiency of a proposed liquid amine CO 2 removal subsystem of an environmental control and life-support system (ECLSS) on Mars.

Biomanufacturing↗

NASA NTRS2000

Sensor Needs for Advanced Life Support

Sensors and feedback systems are critical to life support flight systems and life support systems research. New sensor capabilities can allow for new system architectures to be considered, and can facilitate dramatic improvements in system performance. This paper will describe three opportunities for biosensor researchers to develop sensors that will enable life support system improvements. The first opportunity relates to measuring physical, chemical, and biological parameters in the Space Station Water Processing System. Measuring pH, iodine, total organic carbon, microbiological activity, total dissolved solids, or conductivity with a safe, effective, stable, reliable microsensor could benefit the water processing system considerably. Of special interest is a sensor which can monitor biological contamination rapidly. The second opportunity relates to sensing microbiological contamination and water condensation on the surface of large inflatable structures. It is the goal of large inflatable structures used for habitation to take advantage of the large surface area of the structure and reject waste heat passively through the walls of the structure. Too much heat rejection leads to a cold spot with water condensation, and eventually microbiological contamination. A distributed sensor system that can measure temperature, humidity, and microbiological contamination across a large surface would benefit designers of large inflatable habitable structures. The third opportunity relates to sensing microbial bioreactors used for waste water processing and reuse. Microbiological bioreactors offer considerable advantages in weight and power compared to adsorption bed based systems when used for long periods of time. Managing and controlling bioreactors is greatly helped if distributed microsensors measured the biological populations continuously in many locations within the bioreactor. Nitrifying bacteria are of special interest to bioreactor designers, and any sensors that could measure the populations of these types of bacteria would help the control and operation of bioreactors. J

Graf, John C.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Carbon balance in bioregenerative life support systems: some effects of system closure, waste management, and crop harvest index

In Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems with bioregenerative components, plant photosynthesis would be used to produce O2 and food, while removing CO2. Much of the plant biomass would be inedible and hence must be considered in waste management. This waste could be oxidized (e.g., incinerated or aerobically digested) to resupply CO2 to the plants, but this would not be needed unless the system were highly closed with regard to food. For example, in a partially closed system where some of the food is grown and some is imported, CO2 from oxidized waste when combined with crew and microbial respiration could exceed the CO2 removal capability of the plants. Moreover, it would consume some O2 produced from photosynthesis that could have been used by the crew. For partially closed systems it would be more appropriate to store or find other uses for the inedible biomass and excess carbon, such as generating soils or growing woody plants (e.g., dwarf fruit trees). Regardless of system closure, high harvest crops (i.e., crops with a high edible to total biomass ratio) would increase food production per unit area and O2 yields for systems where waste biomass is oxidized to recycle CO2. Such interlinking effects between the plants and waste treatment strategies point out the importance of oxidizing only that amount of waste needed to optimize system performance. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of COSPAR.

NASA Discipline Life Support Systems↗

NASA NTRS1993

Continuous Nanoclimate Data (1985-1988) from the Ross Desert (McMurdo Dry Valleys) Cryptoendolithic Microbial Ecosystem

We have collected year-round nanoclimate data for the cryptoendolithic microbial habitat in sandstones of the Ross desert, Antarctica, obtained with an Argos satellite data system. Data for two sites in the McMurdo Dry Valleys are available: Linnaeus Terrace, January 1985 to June 1988, and Battleship Promontory, 1986-1987. The focus of this research is ecological, and hence year-round environmental data have been obtained for the ambient environment as well as for conditions within the rock. Using data from the summer, we compare the conditions inside the rock to the outside weather. This demonstrates how the rock provides a shelter for the endolithic microbial community. The most important property of the rock is that it absorbs the summer sunlight, thereby warming up to temperatures above freezing. This warming allows snowmelt to seep into the rock, and the moisture level in the rocks can remain high for weeks against loss to the dry environment.

McKay, Christopher P.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Identification of Fungal Colonies on Ground Control and Flight Veggie Plant Pillows

The Veggie system focuses on growing fresh produce that can be harvested and consumed by astronauts. The microbial colonies in each Veggie experiment are evaluated to determine the safety level of the produce and then differences between flight and ground samples. The identifications of the microbial species can detail risks or benefits to astronaut and plant health. Each Veggie ground or flight experiment includes six plants grown from seeds that are glued into wicks in Teflon pillows filled with clay arcillite and fertilizer. Fungal colonies were isolated from seed wicks, growth media, and lettuce (cv. 'Outredgeous') roots grown in VEG-01B pillows on ISS and in corresponding ground control pillows grown in controlled growth chambers. The colonies were sorted by morphology and identified using MicroSeq(TM) 500 16s rDNA Bacterial Identification System and BIOLOG GEN III MicroPlate(TM). Health risks for each fungal identification were then assessed using literature sources. The goal was to identify all the colonies isolated from flight and ground control VEG-01B plants, roots, and rooting medium and compare the resulting identifications.

Scotten, Jessica E.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Legacy of Environmental Research During the Space Shuttle Program

The Space Shuttle Program provided many opportunities to study the role of spaceflight on human life for over the last 30 years and represents the longest and largest U.S. human spaceflight program. Risks to crewmembers were included in the research areas of nutrition, microbiology, toxicology, radiation, and sleep quality. To better understand the Shuttle environment, Crew Health Care System was developed. As part of this system, the Environmental Health Subsystem was developed to monitor the atmosphere for gaseous contaminants and microbial contamination levels and to monitor water quality and radiation. This program expended a great deal of effort in studying and mitigating risks related to contaminations due to food, water, air, surfaces, crewmembers, and payloads including those with animals. As the Shuttle had limited stowage space and food selection, the development of nutritional requirements for crewmembers was imperative. As the Shuttle was a reusable vehicle, microbial contamination was of great concern. The development of monitoring instruments that could withstand the space environment took several years and many variations to come up with a suitable instrument. Research with space radiation provided an improved understanding of the various sources of ionizing radiation and the development of monitoring instrumentation for space weather and the human exposure within the orbiter's cabin. Space toxicology matured to include the management of offgassing products that could pollute the crewmembers air quality. The Shuttle Program implemented a 5-level toxicity rating system and developed new monitoring instrumentation to detect toxic compounds. The environment of space caused circadian desynchrony, sleep deficiency, and fatigue leading to much research and major emphasis on countermeasures. Outcomes of the research in these areas were countermeasures, operational protocols, and hardware. Learning Objectives: This symposium will provide an overview of the major environmental lessons learned and the development of countermeasures, monitoring hardware, and procedures.

Lane, Helen W.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Strategies for Determining Safety of Fermented Foods Produced in Space

The BioNutrients experiments examine the feasibility of using microbially produced foods – yogurt, kefir, fermented food products– to supplement the current prepackaged food system to provide freshly synthesized nutrients and genetically engineered protein therapeutics to support crew health for sustainable and long duration crewed exploration. Safety of the products must be established as direct consumption of such products is a risk due to potential contamination with pathogenic organisms. Identifying pathogen contamination is particularly challenging as the fermenting cultures can mask the presence of contaminating organisms. Here we consider current methods of detecting coliforms, aerobic colonies, non-lactic acid bacteria, molds (yeasts), and specific pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella. We also consider alternate and additional testing including sequencing and quantitative PCR. We investigate the use of the E-Nose developed by NASA Ames Research Center. This portable device senses volatile organic compounds in real time and can be trained to recognize “good” uncontaminated products from contaminated ones as a means of predicting food safety. Finally, we consider methods of in-flight pasteurization to increase safety and decrease overall microbial load of these products. This presentation will summarize testing status and outline the strategy that will be employed in the BioNutrients-3 ISS fermented foods experiment.

Natalie Ball↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Strategies for Determining Safety of Fermented Foods Produced in Space

The BioNutrients experiments examine the feasibility of using microbially produced foods – yogurt, kefir, fermented food products– to supplement the current prepackaged food system to provide freshly synthesized nutrients and genetically engineered protein therapeutics to support crew health for sustainable and long duration crewed exploration. Safety of the products must be established as direct consumption of such products is a risk due to potential contamination with pathogenic organisms. Identifying pathogen contamination is particularly challenging as the fermenting cultures can mask the presence of contaminating organisms. Here we consider current methods of detecting coliforms, aerobic colonies, non-lactic acid bacteria, molds (yeasts), and specific pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella. We also consider alternate and additional testing including sequencing and quantitative PCR. We investigate the use of the E-Nose developed by NASA Ames Research Center. This portable device senses volatile organic compounds in real time and can be trained to recognize “good” uncontaminated products from contaminated ones as a means of predicting food safety. Finally, we consider methods of in-flight pasteurization to increase safety and decrease overall microbial load of these products. This presentation will summarize testing status and outline the strategy that will be employed in the BioNutrients-3 ISS fermented foods experiment.

Food↗

NASA NTRS1970

Biological handbook for engineers

Microbiological background information is compiled in handbook for engineers and scientists working on bio-related projects. It is intended as aid in - /1/ evaluating effects of engineering procedures on microbial life, /2/ determining effects of decontamination and sterilization on performance of overall systems, and /3/ understanding language of microbiologists.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

Cuvette loading and unloading procedures

The cuvettes for the flight hardware used in the Microbial Response to Space Environment Experiment (M191) were loaded with the biological test systems according to the methods described. After the flight, the experiment package was returned and dismantled. Then, the individual cuvettes were removed from the hardware and unloaded according to the procedures described.

Carmichael, C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Spacelab 3 mission

Spacelab-3 (SL-3) was the first microgravity mission of extended duration involving crew interaction with animal experiments. This interaction involved sharing the Spacelab environmental system, changing animal food, and changing animal waste trays by the crew. Extensive microbial testing was conducted on the animal specimens and crew and on their ground and flight facilities during all phases of the mission to determine the potential for cross contamination. Macroparticulate sampling was attempted but was unsuccessful due to the unforseen particulate contamination occurring during the flight. Particulate debris of varying size (250 micron to several inches) and composition was recovered post flight from the Spacelab floor, end cones, overhead areas, avionics fan filter, cabin fan filters, tunnel adaptor, and from the crew module. These data are discussed along with solutions, which were implemented, for particulate and microbial containment for future flight facilities.

Dalton, Bonnie P.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Aquatic biofilms and their responses to disinfection and invading species

The control of microbial contamination is a primary concern in the development of a water reclamation system for long-duration manned space flights. This paper describes bench-scale experiments, using both static and recycling water systems, investigating the interaction of bacterial species in the development of a biofilm and their response to the introduction of a disinfectant or of additional species. The results showed that iodine concentrations as high as 15 to 20 mg/l I2 are necessary to completely disinfect a stable biofilm. When S. aueus and E. coli were introduced into a system containing natural mixed culture biofilms, their colonization in the biofilms increased their survival time, from 3 to 5 days as unattached cells to over 60 days when protected in the biofilms. While iodine concentrations of 0.5 to 1 mg/l were enough to eliminate these organisms from the bulk water, concentrations higher than 4.0 mg/l were necessary to completely eliminate these organisms from the biofilm.

Smithers, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Beating Back Bacteria

Under a NASA-Johnson Space Center contract, Umpqua Research developed the MCV (Trademark) (Microbial Check Valve) which uses iodinated ion exchange resin used for water purification systems aboard space missions. Using this resin, MRLB International, Inc., developed and commercialized the Dentapure purification cartridge used by dentists nationwide.

Source record↗