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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Development of a High Output Fluorescent Light Module for the Commercial Plant Biotechnology Facility

To maximize the use of available resources provided onboard the International Space Station, the development of an efficient lighting 1 system is critical to the overall performance of the CPBF. Not only is it important to efficiently generate photon energy, but thermal loads on the CPBF Temperature and Humidity Control System must be minimized. By utilizing optical coatings designed to produce highly diffuse reflectance in the visible wavelengths while minimizing reflectance in the infrared region, the design of the fluorescent light module for the CPBF is optimized for maximum photon flux, spatial uniformity and energy efficiency. Since the Fluorescent Light Module must be fully enclosed to meet (ISS) requirements for containment of particulates and toxic materials, heat removal from the lights presented some unique design challenges. By using the Express Rack moderate C, temperature-cooling loop, heat is rejected by means of a liquid/air coolant manifold. Heat transfer to the manifold is performed by conduction using copper fins, by forced air convection using miniature fans, and by radiation using optically selective coatings that absorb in the infrared wavelengths. Using this combination of heat transfer mechanisms builds in redundancy to prevent thermal build up and premature bulb failure.

Turner, Mark↗
DOE OSTI2024

DNA parts and gene constructs for plant biodesign

Plant biodesign requires the knowledge of DNA parts (e.g., genes, promoters, terminators), along with their combinations (as gene constructs) linked to engineered traits. DNA parts with validated or predicted functions in plants have been deposited in various online databases. However, these existing databases focus on basic biological functions of individual DNA parts, leaving a gap between basic knowledge and bioengineering applications. To fill this knowledge gap, we have created a user-friendly, open-ended database as a knowledge graph linking DNA parts to gene constructs to traits. This database contains experimentally validated DNA parts and gene constructs documented in peer-reviewed publications. The DNA parts include 1) molecular components with biological functions, such as genes involved in various biological processes (e.g., metabolic and signal transduction pathways) and 2) molecular components with technical functions, such as gene expression, genome engineering and sequence splicing. The gene constructs deposited in this database include both single-gene and multi-gene constructs. This database allows users to submit DNA parts and gene construct compositions linked to engineered traits described in peer-reviewed publications, providing a public digital repository for sharing the biodesign information among the researchers in the fields of plant biotechnology and plant synthetic biology.

plant biodesign synthetic biology gene constructs ↗
NASA NTRS2002

Expression and affinity purification of recombinant proteins from plants

With recent advances in plant biotechnology, transgenic plants have been targeted as an inexpensive means for the mass production of proteins for biopharmaceutical and industrial uses. However, the current plant purification techniques lack a generally applicable, economic, large-scale strategy. In this study, we demonstrate the purification of a model protein, beta-glucuronidase (GUS), by employing the protein calmodulin (CaM) as an affinity tag. In the proposed system, CaM is fused to GUS. In the presence of calcium, the calmodulin fusion protein binds specifically to a phenothiazine-modified surface of an affinity column. When calcium is removed with a complexing agent, e.g., EDTA, calmodulin undergoes a conformational change allowing the dissociation of the calmodulin-phenothiazine complex and, therefore, permitting the elution of the GUS-CaM fusion protein. The advantages of this approach are the fast, efficient, and economical isolation of the target protein under mild elution conditions, thus preserving the activity of the target protein. Two types of transformation methods were used in this study, namely, the Agrobacterium-mediated system and the viral-vector-mediated transformation system. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Non-NASA Center↗
DOE OSTI2025

A split ribozyme system for in vivo plant RNA imaging and genetic engineering

RNA plays a central role in plants, governing various cellular and physiological processes. Monitoring its dynamic abundance provides a discerning understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to internal (developmental) and external (environmental) stimuli, paving the way for advances in plant biotechnology to engineer crops with improved resilience, quality and productivity. In general, traditional methods for analysis of RNA abundance in plants require destructive, labour-intensive and time-consuming assays. To overcome these limitations, we developed a transformative innovation for in vivo RNA imaging in plants. Specifically, we established a synthetic split ribozyme system that converts various RNA signals to orthogonal protein outputs, enabling in vivo visualisation of various RNA signals in plants. We demonstrated the utility of this system in transient expression experiments (i.e., leaf infiltration in Nicotiana benthamiana ) to detect RNAs derived from transgenes and tobacco rattle virus, respectively. Also, we successfully engineered a split ribozyme-based biosensor in Arabidopsis thaliana for in vivo visualisation of endogenous gene expression at the cellular level, demonstrating the feasibility of multi-scale (e.g., cellular and tissue level) RNA imaging in plants. Furthermore, we developed a platform for easy incorporation of different protein outputs, allowing for flexible choice of reporters to optimise the detection of target RNAs.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

High-efficiency Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is the method of choice for many plant biotechnology laboratories; however, large-scale use of this organism in conifer transformation has been limited by difficult propagation of explant material, selection efficiencies and low transformation frequency. We have analyzed co-cultivation conditions and different disarmed strains of Agrobacterium to improve transformation. Additional copies of virulence genes were added to three common disarmed strains. These extra virulence genes included either a constitutively active virG or extra copies of virG and virB, both from pTiBo542. In experiments with Norway spruce, we increased transformation efficiencies 1000-fold from initial experiments where little or no transient expression was detected. Over 100 transformed lines expressing the marker gene beta-glucuronidase (GUS) were generated from rapidly dividing embryogenic suspension-cultured cells co-cultivated with Agrobacterium. GUS activity was used to monitor transient expression and to further test lines selected on kanamycin-containing medium. In loblolly pine, transient expression increased 10-fold utilizing modified Agrobacterium strains. Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer is a useful technique for large-scale generation of transgenic Norway spruce and may prove useful for other conifer species.

NASA Discipline Plant Biology↗
DOE OSTI2025

Evaluating genetic and environmental controls on silicon accumulation in Populus trichocarpa leaves

Background and aims: Silicon (Si) accumulation and formation of non-crystalline silica particles (phytoliths) inside plant cells contribute to plant function, soil carbon storage, and Si reservoirs in soils. A better understanding of how genetic and environmental factors control Si accumulation may improve understanding of Si cycling between plants and soil and its impacts on other ecosystem processes. Methods: This study examined how genetic potential for Si uptake and silicification translated to Si concentrations and phytolith formation in Populus trichocarpa leaves. Leaves were collected from four different genotypes of cultivated poplar trees that were grown in a common garden and possess established differences in leaf-level gene expression related to Si transport and silicification. Scanning electron microscopy and subsequent image analysis were used to quantify Si concentrations and phytolith abundance and features. Results: Phytoliths were identified in nearly all leaves but were often absent at very low (< 0.5 wt.%) Si concentrations at the leaf surface. The proportion of leaf area occupied by phytoliths increased as Si content increased. Silicon content and phytolith abundance at the leaf surface did not vary across genotypes, but surface Si was weakly correlated with plant available Si in soil. Conclusion: Phytoliths were prevalent in P. trichocarpa leaves; however, the genetic potential for Si uptake and silicification at the leaf-level poorly predicted foliar Si and phytolith abundance. Uniformly low expression of Si uptake genes in the roots may have reduced differences across genotypes. Consequently, Si accumulation in leaves was likely more strongly influenced by soil Si bioavailability, phenology, or additional environmental factors.

Image analysis↗
DOE OSTI2025

Viral delivery of an RNA-guided genome editor for transgene-free germline editing in Arabidopsis

Genome editing is transforming plant biology by enabling precise DNA modifications. However, delivery of editing systems into plants remains challenging, often requiring slow, genotype-specific methods such as tissue culture or transformation1. Plant viruses, which naturally infect and spread to most tissues, present a promising delivery system for editing reagents. However, many viruses have limited cargo capacities, restricting their ability to carry large CRISPR-Cas systems. Here we engineered tobacco rattle virus (TRV) to carry the compact RNA-guided TnpB enzyme ISYmu1 and its guide RNA. This innovation allowed transgene-free editing of Arabidopsis thaliana in a single step, with edits inherited in the subsequent generation. By overcoming traditional reagent delivery barriers, this approach offers a novel platform for genome editing, which can greatly accelerate plant biotechnology and basic research.

Weiss, Trevor↗
DOE OSTI2024

SIVB's 2024 In Vitro Biology Meeting Proceedings

SIVB's 2024 World Congress on In Vitro Biology took place in Saint Louis, Missouri, from June 8th to 12th, 2024. The conference featured renowned speakers from academic and non-academic institutions who will present recent advancements in critical areas like plant transformation, genome editing, synthetic biology, advanced breeding technologies, cellular agriculture, future food sources, chromosome engineering, epigenetics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. The Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) has always considered the education and professional development of young researchers as an integral component of its mission. The 2024 World Congress program, along with SIVB’s student initiatives, was customized to foster scientific growth and professional development among students and young scientists empowering them in their professional journeys. The recording of the DOE supported "Single Cell RNA Sequencing" workshop was made publicly available at https://youtu.be/A0UnuYwefwg for easy retrieval and reference of all information shared during the live event, thereby increasing accessibility and knowledge transfer. Their are 14 articles in the proceedings and the full list of files is located at https://link.springer.com/journal/11626/volumes-and-issues/60-1/supplement.

10 SYNTHETIC FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Simultaneous Overexpression of FERULOYL‐CoA 6′‐HYDROXYLASE 1 and COUMARIN SYNTHASE Leads to Coumarin‐Enriched Lignin and Improved Saccharification in Greenhouse‐ and Field‐Grown Poplar

ABSTRACT The urgent need for renewable resources has increased the interest in woody biomass to manufacture bio‐based products. However, lignin recalcitrance limits the enzymatic conversion of wood into fermentable sugars, posing a major challenge for biomass deconstruction. To address this problem, we aimed at incorporating the coumarin scopoletin into the lignin polymer of poplar ( Populus tremula × P . alba ) by expressing FERULOYL‐CoA 6′‐HYDROXYLASE 1 ( F6′H1 ) and COUMARIN SYNTHASE ( COSY ) in lignifying cells. Three constructs were evaluated: two bicistronic constructs, SCOP1 ( COSY followed by F6′H1 ) and SCOP2 ( F6′H1 followed by COSY ), and one monocistronic, SCOP3 (only F6′H1 ). SCOP1 poplars produced most free scopoletin without altering overall lignin, cellulose or hemicellulose content. SCOP2 poplars were overall less efficient in scopoletin production and most of these lines showed a severe biomass yield penalty, whereas SCOP3 caused plant lethality. NMR and metabolic analyses confirmed that scopoletin cross‐coupled with G and S monomers during lignification in SCOP1 lines. In addition to scopoletin, the detection of benzodioxane structures revealed the incorporation of dihydroxycoumarins. Overall coumarin incorporation in lignin amounted up to 2.3%. After alkaline pretreatment, wood from greenhouse‐grown SCOP1 poplars released up to 29% more glucose compared to the wild type upon limited saccharification. Field‐testing of three SCOP1 lines showed a 6 to 11% increase in saccharification efficiency, with the line containing the lowest scopoletin levels maintaining normal growth. These results demonstrate that engineering lignin composition in poplar can improve saccharification, and emphasize the importance of construct design, translational research and field validation.

alternative lignin monomers↗
DOE OSTI2024

Plant synthetic biology as a tool to help eliminate hidden hunger

Agricultural systems are under increasing pressure from declining environmental conditions, a growing population, and changes in consumer preferences, resulting in widespread malnutrition-related illnesses. Improving plant nutritional content through biotechnology techniques such as synthetic biology is a promising strategy to help combat hidden hunger caused by the lack of affordable and healthy foods in human diets. Production of compounds usually found in animal-rich diets, such as vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids, has been recently demonstrated in planta. Here, we review recent biotechnological approaches to biofortifying plants with vitamins, minerals, and other metabolites, and summarise synthetic biology advances that offer the opportunity to build on these early biofortification efforts.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Construct design for precise DNA insertion in plants

Precise insertion of DNA sequences at targeted locations in plant genomes is pivotal for synthetic biology, genetics, and crop improvement. Construct design plays a critical role in achieving precise insertions, yet practical guidance remains limited. This review provides an in-depth overview of construct design principles and targeted DNA insertion (knock-in) strategies in plants. We assess the strengths, limitations, and construct requirements of current knock-in methods for specific applications, including short, large, and multifragment insertions. Additionally, we explore the potential of adopting advanced nonplant technologies to enhance knock-in efficiency and precision in plants. This review provides a valuable resource for facilitating the effective application of knock-in technologies to genetically improve crops with minimal off-target effects.

DNA construct↗
DOE OSTI2026

NMR of Fully and Partially 13 C-Enriched Biomass Enhances Pendent Group Structural Characterization

Traditional solution-state NMR experiments may either fail or yield unsatisfactory results when employing fully- 13 C-labeled biomass due to complications arising from 13 C– 13 C coupling. Constant-time analogs of HSQC experiments mitigate such issues and deliver enhanced sensitivity. A rarely reported CT-HSQC-TOCSY experiment allows the proton coupling network to deliver much of the same value as the parent experiment on unlabeled or 10–15%- 13 C-labeled biomass polymers but with enhanced sensitivity. In the absence of a viable HMBC analog for long-range correlations, a relayed C–C experiment, i.e., via directly bonded 13 C-labeled networks, enables the reliable assignment of coupled carbons, with the added advantage of correlating the more elusive quaternaries. A C–C-FLOPSY experiment takes advantage of fully- 13 C-labeled materials for mapping extensive carbon networks in the complex polymer mixtures inherent in biomass. Various pendent groups (tricin units, cis- and trans-p-coumarates, and p -hydroxybenzoates) that adorn lignins, and the cis- and trans-ferulates on arabinoxylan polysaccharides, are exquisitely revealed in spectra from isolated lignins or whole-cell-wall materials from maize, sorghum, and poplar.

biopolymers↗
NASA NTRS1998

Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1)

The MSL-1 payload first flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-83) April 4-8, 1997. Due to a fuel cell problem, the mission was cut short, and the payload flew again on Columbia (STS-94) July 1-17, 1997. The MSL-1 investigations were performed in a pressurized Spacelab module and the Shuttle middeck. Twenty-nine experiments were performed and represented disciplines such as fluid physics, combustion, materials science, biotechnology, and plant growth. Four accelerometers were used to record and characterize the microgravity environment. The results demonstrate the range of quality science that can be conducted utilizing orbital laboratories in microgravity.

Robinson, M. B.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Plant Defense Proteins: Recent Discoveries and Applications

Proteins play pivotal roles in safeguarding plants against numerous biotic and abiotic stresses. Understanding their biological functions and mechanisms of action is essential for advancing plant biology, agriculture, and biotechnology. This review considers the diversity and potential applications of plant defense proteins including pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, chitinases, glucanases, protease inhibitors, lectins, and antimicrobial peptides. Recent advances, such as the omics technologies, have enabled the discovery of new plant defense proteins and regulatory networks that govern plant defense responses and unveiled numerous roles of plant defense proteins in stress perception, signal transduction, and immune priming. The molecular affinities and enzymatic activities of plant defense proteins are essential for their defense functions. Applications of plant defense proteins span agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine, including the development of resistant crop varieties, bio-based products, biopharmaceuticals, and functional foods. Future research directions include elucidating the structural bases of defense protein functions, exploring protein interactions with ligands and other proteins, and engineering defense proteins for enhanced efficacy. Overall, this review illuminates the significance of plant defense proteins against biotic stresses in plant biology and biotechnology, emphasizing their potential for sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

G-proteins↗
NASA NTRS1997

On-Orbit and Ground Performance of the PGBA Plant Growth Facility

PGBA, a plant growth facility developed for commercial space biotechnology research, successfully grew a total of 30 plants (6 species) for 10 days on board the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-77) and is scheduled for reflight on board MSL-1 (STS-83) for a 16 day flight. The PGBA life support systems provide atmospheric, thermal, and humidity control as well as lighting and nutrient supply in a 23.6 liter chamber. Atmosphere treatment includes ethylene and other hydrocarbon removal, CO2 replenishment, and O2 control. The normally closed system uses controlled CO2 replenishment from the crew cabin as required by the plants. Temperature is controlled (1 C) at user-specified setpoints between 20-32 C, using water-filled coolant loops, solid state Peltier thermoelectric devices, and liquid heat exchangers. The thermoelectric cooling systems were optimized for low power consumption and high cooling efficiencies. Relative humidity is maintained between 60-100% using a cooled porous metal plate to remove water vapor from the air stream without cooling the bulk air below the dew point. The lighting system utilizes three compact fluorescent bi-axial lights with variable lighting control and light intensity (PAR) between 220 and 330 micromol/sq m/s at a distance of 20 cm in spaceflight configuration (on orbit power limited to 230 Watt for entire payload). A ground, up to 550 micromol/sq m/s light intensity can be achieved with 330 Watt payload power consumption. Plant water and nutrient support is sustained via the 'Nutrient Pack' system including the passive or active 'Water Replenishable Nutrient Pack.' The root matrix material (soil or Agar) and nutrient formulation of each pack is prepared according to plant species and experimental requirements. These systems were designed by NASA Ames personnel. Data acquisition and control systems provide 32 channels of environmental data as well as digitized or analog video signals for downlink.

Hoehn, A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Review: Recent advances of ToF-SIMS for environmental analysis and imaging

Background: Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a powerful surface analysis technique, initially developed and applied in inorganic materials and semiconductors. In past decades, ToF-SIMS has attracted more attention in its analysis capabilities of organic materials, with increased applications in biology, medical, and health development. It has also become a versatile and effective tool in environmental analysis due to its high mass resolution, mass accuracy, and depth profiling. Results: In this review, we first give an overview of the principle of ToF-SIMS and follow with recent ToF-SIMS applications in exemplary environmental study cases, including atmospheric aerosol, soil, water, plant, and organic solvent analysis. Moreover, sample preparation techniques are summarized in relation to corresponding environmental applications. Specifically, we call attention to ToF-SIMS investigations showcasing studies in surface chemical compositions, images, and depth profile analysis. These findings emphasize the important role of interfacial chemistry in environmental processes and provide valuable insights into dynamic processes, such as chemical transformation, particle formation, plant biology, and microbial inspired biotechnology development. The mass spectral imaging results acquired by ToF-SIMS offer a deeper understanding of intermediate stages and transient phases for environmental specimens. Significance: In situ and operando imaging offer new possibilities in studying phenomena in real time with high spatial resolution. Furthermore, it is anticipated that more research groups will use ToF-SIMS in environmental research given recent advances in measurement capabilities and surging needs in chemical mapping of complex analytes and systems.

Aerosol↗