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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Ecology and thermal inactivation of microbes in and on interplanetary space vehicle components

Studies were made of atypical organisms found in Bacillus subtilis var. niger spore colonies. Efforts were aimed at: (1) determining the heat sensitivity of these atypical white spores treated under dry heat conditions and their influence on the nature of the survival curve, (2) preparing a new spore crop obtained from spore isolates by purification procedures, and (3) comparing spore crops obtained from Cape Kennedy (SSM-10) and Minnesota (Minn. sp. AAEF) with the old Cincinnati and new purified Cincinnati spore crop under dry heat conditions.

Campbell, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Ecology and thermal inactivation of microbes in and on interplanetary space vehicle components

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the dry heat resistance of microorganisms in soil obtained from Denver Colorado, Pasadena California, Kennedy Space Center Florida, and Cincinnati Ohio. The results of the KSC terminal sterilization cycle experiment are given in graphs. The average number of viable organisms per m1 was calculated for 18 replicate soil samples for each sample area and points plotted equivalent to 30 hr exposure at 112 C. The result showed a reduction of 3 logs from the initial population for both KSC and Cincinnati soil samples. Results from other areas are given in graphs.

Reyes, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Ecology and thermal inactivation of microbes in and on interplanetary space vehicle components

Dry heat treatment is specified as the preferred means for the terminal sterilization of spacecraft and for decontamination of spacecraft components. The presence of organisms highly resistant to dry heat in soil and fallout around assembly and industrial manufacturing areas is shown. The dry heat survival characteristics of the Cape Kennedy isolate 4-6 B. brevis spores is demonstrated. The presence of hardy organisms from soil samples obtained from geographical areas of the United States is shown. A resistant fraction appears to occur in low numbers in a soil sample. The heat resistance characteristics of 4-6 B. brevis and B. subtilis var. niger spores are compared. Their morphological characteristics are compared by scanning electron microscopy.

Reyes, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Ecology and Thermal Inactivation of Microbes in and on Interplanetary Space Vehicle Components

Spores of Bacillus subtilis var. niger were heat treated in aqueous suspension at 90 C, and observed for morphological changes and loss of viability. The 5 logs reduction that occurred in broth at 90 min required 210 min in buffered water. Five characteristic changes observed after spores were exposed 120 min at 90 C in buffered water were: (1) 90% loss of spore viability, (2) 5% stainability, (3) 76% increase in spore size (as observed by scanning electron microscopy), (4) 21% of spore areas remaining refractile, and (5) an increase of 77% in packed cell volume (PCV). Stainability and PCV changes were recognized only after secondary exposure in broth. Extended heat exposure (3 h at 90 C) resulted in 99% loss of spore viability and 99% loss of stainability. After 4 hours of heat exposure, 90% of the cells disintegrated. These results suggest that early germinal changes occurr concurrently with the early changes in the heat susceptibility of dormant spores.

Reyes, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Ecology and thermal inactivation of microbes in and on interplanetary space vehicle components

The heat resistance of Bacillus subtilis var. niger was measured from 85 to 125 C using moisture levels of % RH or = 0.001 to 100. Curves are presented which characterize thermal destruction using thermal death times defined as F values at a given combination of three moisture and temperature conditions. The times required at 100 C for reductions of 99.99% of the initial population were estimated for the three moisture conditions. The linear model (from which estimates of D are obtained) was satisfactory for estimating thermal death times (% RH or = 0.07) in the plate count range. Estimates based on observed thermal death times and D values for % RH = 100 diverged so that D values generally gave a more conservative estimate over the temperature range 90 to 125 C. Estimates of Z sub F and Z sub L ranged from 32.1 to 58.3 C for % RH of or = 0.07 and 100. A Z sub D = 30.0 was obtained for data observed at % RH or = 0.07.

Reyes, A. L.↗