Space Algae-2: Preflight Testing for A Long-Duration, Multi-Omics Analysis of Arthrospira Platensis

Katherine E. Fisher; Jared T. Broddrick; Andrew M. Settles

NASA NTRS · 20230008532

Space Algae-2: Preflight Testing for A Long-Duration, Multi-Omics Analysis of Arthrospira Platensis

Katherine E. Fisher·Jared T. Broddrick·Andrew M. Settles

Abstract

The cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis NIES-39, commonly known as spirulina, could provide a fresh supply of nutrients for crew on long-duration spaceflight missions. Spirulina is a readily digestible food that is high in protein with all essential amino acids as well as significant levels of B vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory metabolites. Spaceflight has multiple abiotic stressors such as increased ionizing radiation and microgravity, which causes a lack of convective mixing. These environmental conditions may impact productivity, nutritional composition, and in long-duration propagation, spaceflight stress may impact the genetic stability of spirulina cultures. We are developing an International Space Station experiment to continuously culture A. platensis for six months. Multi-omics profiling will be used to monitor for changes in the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome to determine if A. platensis is a suitable nutritional supplement on long-duration missions. During preflight testing we developed a protocol for inoculated liquid cultures to survive a 10-week storage period prior to photo-incubation. The bioreactor bag, temperature, and lighting conditions that support a 14-day growth cycle between passages were also determined. Media testing identified minimal salts supporting robust growth that can be stored in liquid or dry form. A simple filtration method was developed to dewater cultures and harvest biomass for frozen sample return. We optimized a cryopreservation method to enable return of live cells for isolation of individual A. platensis clones. The concept of operations for Space Algae-2 developed from these test results as well as progress on multi-omics analysis methods will be presented.

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Katherine E. Fisher, Jared T. Broddrick, Andrew M. Settles. Space Algae-2: Preflight Testing for A Long-Duration, Multi-Omics Analysis of Arthrospira Platensis. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20230008532

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