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A base on the Moon surface or a mission to Mars are potential destinations for human spaceflight, according to current space agencies' plans. These scenarios pose several new challenges, since the environmental and operational conditions of the mission will strongly differ than those on the International Space Station (ISS). One critical parameter...
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... species have been widely studied for space applications. Chlorella is a spherical unicellular eukaryotic green algae (Figure 1), while Spirulina is a filamentous multicellular prokaryotic cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae). The main advantages of Chlorella vs. Spirulina are its simple shape and its adaptability to a wide range of cultivation conditions, making it very robust. ...
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More than 50 years after the last human set foot on the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission, humans aim to return to the Moon in this decade. This time, humanity plans to establish lunar habitats for a sustainable longer presence. An integrated part of these lunar habitats will be planetary surface greenhouses. These greenhouses will produce food, pr...
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... Chlorella-based microorganisms, which have existed for thousands of years through evolution, exhibit unique structural features, which enables them to be considerably superior and costeffective for micro/nanofabrication techniques [22]. Last but not the least, a C. vulgaris photobioreactor has been explored to produce oxygen and food on the lunar and other space environments [23]. An environment like that of outer space, as experienced on the International Space Station or orbits around planetary bodies, can have a critical impact on the overall growth and production of the bioactive compounds of C. vulgaris. ...
This parametric study aimed to analyze the effects of increased magnetic field exposure (MFE) on the growth and production of the bioactive compounds of Chlorella (C.) vulgaris. With the intent of studying the effect of an increased MFE, the magnetic field typically experienced by life on Earth was amplified by an order of magnitude. In the increased-MFE environment, six treatments of C. vulgaris with two repetitions for each treatment were exposed to a magnetic field of 5 Gauss (500 µT) about each axis, which was generated in a state-of-the-art Helmholtz cage. The treatments and the control were characterized by the duration of exposure, which was varied from 0 min to 120 min with a step increment of 20 min. The treatments were repeated for six days (TR1) and twelve days (TR2) in two separate experiments. From the first day of the treatment, the specimens in both the experiments were propagated for twenty-one days. For parametric analysis, the overall growth, protein, and beta-carotene content were measured every three days for twenty-one days. For TR1 in general, the samples treated with the increased MFE demonstrated a higher growth rate than the control. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 38% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 120 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 15th day was measured to be 15.6% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 40 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 20.4% higher than the control. For TR2 in general, the results were inferior compared to TR1 but showed higher production than the control specimen. Specifically, for the specimen treated with 80 min of the increased MFE, the protein content on the 21st day was measured to be 4.3% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the beta-carotene content on the 15th day was measured to be 17.1% higher than the control. For the specimen treated with 100 min of the increased MFE, the growth on the 21st day was measured to be 5% higher than the control. Overall, the treated specimens in TR1 exhibited significantly higher production compared to the control specimen. The treated specimen in TR2 demonstrated some adverse impacts, but still exhibited higher production compared to the control specimen.
... The use of microalgae for space applications has been widely studied for several decades, and now that missions involve long duration and distance from Earth, there are plans to make life support systems (LSS) as independent as possible. Photobioreactors, sophisticated systems in which natural elements combined with high-tech hardware and software provide growth strategies for space stations, can meet part of the daily food requirements in orbit and reduce the amount of food provided from Earth (Detrell 2021). At the University of Bremen in Germany (LASM), work is being done with cyanobacteria to develop the Bioregenerative Life-Support System (BLSS) as a solution for the production of oxygen, food, drugs, chemicals and waste management. ...
The paper aims to investigate the relationship between Design and Space, understood as a territory of innovation that has always influenced design culture’s expressive and imaginative potential. In particular, it is highlighted how this relationship still conditions the way we relate, as humans and as designers, to the concepts of nature and technological innovation. Beginning with a critical reasoning on the millennial human-technology-nature relationship, the paper will investigate how spatial research, has inspired both theoretical-philosophical models, expressive languages and technological transfers that have influenced design at multiple levels, from morphological to material and conceptual. Subsequently, the paper will focus on design research applied to Space, understood as a place of speculation where design finds opportunities to develop critical and future-oriented projects in a context of experimentation at high rates of innovation. Finally, the paper will demonstrate, how the evolution of the relationship between design and spatial research, which has now become biunivocal, contributes to the maturity of the human-nature-technology debate. Indeed, Space becomes a territory for experimentation of new models, aimed at recreating eco-symbiotic design visions for the nurturing and development of life, applicable to such contexts as well as to the future of our Planet.
... [59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70]. ...
The treatment of living organisms is a critical aspect of various environmental and industrial applications, ranging from wastewater treatment to aquaculture. In recent years, algal-based hollow fiber membrane bioreactors (AHFMBRs) have emerged as a promising technology for the sustainable and efficient treatment of living organisms. This review provides a comprehensive examination of AHFMBRs, exploring their integration with algae and hollow fiber membrane systems for diverse applications. It also examines the applications of AHFMBRs in various areas, such as nutrient removal, wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and removal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products. The paper discusses the advantages and challenges associated with AHFMBRs, highlights their performance assessment and optimization strategies, and investigates their environmental impacts and sustainability considerations. The study emphasizes the potential of AHFMBRs in achieving enhanced nutrient removal, bioremediation, and pharmaceutical removal while also addressing important considerations such as energy consumption, resource efficiency, and ecological implications. Additionally, it identifies key challenges and offers insights into future research directions. Through a systematic analysis of relevant studies, this review aims to contribute to the understanding and advancement of algal-based hollow fiber membrane bioreactors as a viable solution for the treatment of living organisms.
... Microalgae and cyanobacteria from the genera Chlorella, Chlamydomonas, Euglena, Scenedesmus, and Arthrospira are wellknown microorganisms that have been tested in several bioregenerative life support systems (BLSSs). These studies have been conducted by various countries, exploring diverse BLSS technologies, such as MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) [6], AQUACELLS [7], CAES (Closed Aquatic Ecosystem) [8], OMEGAHAB (Oreochromis Mossambicus-Euglena Gracilis-Aquatic HABitat) [9], SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box) [10], PBR@LSR (the Algae-based Photobioreactor) [11], and the EU:CROPIS mission (Euglena and Combined Regenerative Organic Food Production on Space) [12]. These investigations have revealed the potential to use microorganisms in bioregenerative systems for essential functions such as food production, air generation, water recycling, efficient resource utilization, biological stability of closed ecosystems in space, adaptation to microgravity, and environmental sustainability ( Figure 1). ...
Sustainably producing nutrients beyond Earth is one of the biggest technical challenges for future extended human space missions. Microorganisms such as microalgae and cyanobacteria can provide astronauts with nutrients, pharmaceuticals,
pure oxygen, and bio-based polymers, making them an interesting resource for constructing a circular bioregenerative life support system in space.
... The microalgae C. vulgaris is considered a resilient species and is an all-round resilient species for bioregenerative applications (Matula & Nabity, 2019;Detrell, 2021;Niederwieser et al., 2018;Fahrion et al., 2021). The portfolio of species is vast and there are many species of microalgae that require further research. ...
Contemporary biospheres will be needed in terms of life support in the face of climatic consequences of the Anthropocene and to sustain future space travel. For life to flourish on Earth and beyond, key elements are required — including carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorous — which need to regenerate through physiochemical alliances and symbioses with other life forms. Bioregenerative systems are defined as artificial ecosystems, which are made up of intra-relationalities with various species including higher plants, microorganisms, and animals. In this paper, bioregenerative architectural habitats are considered a solution for a planet that faces substantial ecological damage and for the likelihood of multiplanetary inhabitation in future. Mutually beneficial systems incorporating working with microalgae in conjunction with bioreactor technologies could constitute a means of survival on a damaged planet or to help start multiplanetary colonies. This paper illustrates the potential of a non-anthropocentric, bioregenerative life support strategy working with various microalgae species. Past- and present-related bioregenerative systems are reviewed and future applications of microalgae enhancing a sympoietic alignment (collectively producing systems) of the human and nonhuman with microorganisms are considered. Future alliances with microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, are proposed to work within bioregenerative systems on Earth and in space. This paper clarifies how the combination of technology, speculative architectural design and microalgae can enhance carbon dioxide mitigation, furthering gaseous exchange for life support, enabling human and nonhuman species to flourish in harsher environments on Earth and beyond low Earth orbit.
... Indeed, the generated biomass can be recycled or otherwise valorized. Approaches under investigation include: its use as a nutrient source for other plant-or microorganism-based processes 53 ; its incorporation into 3D-printing feedstock 54 ; and, in the case of edible species, its consumption by the crew as a protein-rich dietary supplement 55 . Many BLSS under development have indeed selected microalgae, including cyanobacteria, for efficient CO 2 removal and O 2 production, and as food supplements. ...
Long-term human space exploration missions require environmental control and closed Life Support Systems (LSS) capable of producing and recycling resources, thus fulfilling all the essential metabolic needs for human survival in harsh space environments, both during travel and on orbital/planetary stations. This will become increasingly necessary as missions reach farther away from Earth, thereby limiting the technical and economic feasibility of resupplying resources from Earth. Further incorporation of biological elements into state-of-the-art (mostly abiotic) LSS, leading to bioregenerative LSS (BLSS), is needed for additional resource recovery, food production, and waste treatment solutions, and to enable more self-sustainable missions to the Moon and Mars. There is a whole suite of functions crucial to sustain human presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and successful settlement on Moon or Mars such as environmental control, air regeneration, waste management, water supply, food production, cabin/habitat pressurization, radiation protection, energy supply, and means for transportation, communication, and recreation. In this paper, we focus on air, water and food production, and waste management, and address some aspects of radiation protection and recreation. We briefly discuss existing knowledge, highlight open gaps, and propose possible future experiments in the short-, medium-, and long-term to achieve the targets of crewed space exploration also leading to possible benefits on Earth.
... Cyanobacteria produce edible biomass that is rich in all essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as well as carotenoids and B-group vitamins [48], [49], [74], [91]. A competitive option for space farming is considered to be three types of cyanobacteria -Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira maxima, and Limnospira indica, which together form the supplement Spirulina [56], [92]. Spirulina demonstrates high productivity, with cultivation in open ponds in non-optimized conditions typically yielding 20 times more protein per hectare than soy [72]. ...
... Moreover, the main limiting factor is the high content of protein in their biomass. Thus, Chlorella sp. can be an additive to a human daily diet in the amount of 20-35 % [92] and Spirulina up to 10 g per day [93]. Additionally, Spirulina biomass has an unpleasant taste and odour, described as 'earthy' and 'slightly sulphurous' [51]. ...
As humanity sets its sights on establishing a sustainable and prosperous colony on Mars, the main challenges to be overcome are ensuring a reliable and nutritious food supply for settlers, feedstock for 3D printing, fuel and pharmaceuticals. While various solutions for production of essential products on Mars have been proposed, there is growing interest in the use of microorganisms as the main production units. This scientific review article proposes a novel concept of using single cell oil (SCO) as a versatile feedstock for various applications in a bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) for space missions. The authors suggest using outputs from autotrophic systems, such as cyanobacteria biomass and oxygen, to cultivate SCO-producing microorganisms from the class Labyrinthulomycetes. The produced SCO can be used for food, fuel, 3D printing materials, and pharmaceuticals. This approach can potentially reduce the importance of carbohydrates in space foods, offering various benefits, including a reduction in food weight, simpler, lightweight, more compact bioreactors, launch cost reduction, potentially improved mental and cognitive performance, and reduced fatigue for the crew. The authors also suggest using SCO as the feedstock for the production of 3D printable filaments and resins and as a supplementary fuel source for space colonies. While the concept is hypothetical, the theoretical foundation is solid, and this approach could potentially become an important element required for the establishment of a successful Mars colony.
... This means that further research on the possibility of including regolith in nutrient media is needed. In addition to regolith, the possibility of using atmospheric gases [13,31], water ice [13,31,126,127], water from hydrated minerals [127] and atmospheric water vapor [127] is also being considered. However, atmospheric water vapor concentrations on Mars seem to be too low (less than 30 ppm) for practical water harvesting [127]. ...
... ESA's MELiSSA project is a BLSS concept focused on the regeneration of atmospheric gases and water, waste treatment, and food production for crewed space missions 102,103 . The system comprises the listed compartments, each with a specific organism contributing to the recycling pathway 104 . One of the five compartments includes a gas-lift photobioreactor containing photosynthetic cyanobacteria, specifically Spirulina platensis, that uses the CO 2 produced by its predecessor compartment to produce oxygen 84 . ...
... Due to their diverse applications for spaceflight, microalgae and cyanobacteria are often studied for their incorporation in BLSS and photobioreactors. They produce oxygen, remove carbon dioxide from the environment and help with water purification 104,105,252,253 . These microbes are also edible allowing their biomass to provide nutritional and therapeutic benefits without the need for protein purification 35,254 . ...
With the construction of the International Space Station, humans have been continuously living and working in space for 22 years. Microbial studies in space and other extreme environments on Earth have shown the ability for bacteria and fungi to adapt and change compared to "normal" conditions. Some of these changes, like biofilm formation, can impact astronaut health and spacecraft integrity in a negative way, while others, such as a propensity for plastic degradation, can promote self-sufficiency and sustainability in space. With the next era of space exploration upon us, which will see crewed missions to the Moon and Mars in the next 10 years, incorporating microbiology research into planning, decision-making, and mission design will be paramount to ensuring success of these long-duration missions. These can include astronaut microbiome studies to protect against infections, immune system dysfunction and bone deterioration, or biological in situ resource utilization (bISRU) studies that incorporate microbes to act as radiation shields, create electricity and establish robust plant habitats for fresh food and recycling of waste. In this review, information will be presented on the beneficial use of microbes in bioregenerative life support systems, their applicability to bISRU, and their capability to be genetically engineered for biotechnological space applications. In addition, we discuss the negative effect microbes and microbial communities may have on long-duration space travel and provide mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. Utilizing the benefits of microbes, while understanding their limitations, will help us explore deeper into space and develop sustainable human habitats on the Moon, Mars and beyond.
... Hence, the most applicable approach will strongly depend on the mission scenario, in terms of size, extent and duration. Reversible carbon scrubbers 23 combined with microbial conversion may enable a sustainable and near-closed process for deep space travel and exploration missions or initial human settlements 24,25 . ...
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.
