Stability and Axenicity in the Melissa Loop

Document Number: 2003-01-2418

Date Published: July 2003

Author(s):
Larissa Hendrickx - SCK/CEN Belgian Nuclear Research Center
Sarah Baatout - SCK/CEN Belgian Nuclear Research Center
Ruddy Wattiez - Univ. of Mons-Hainaut
Paul Janssen - Univ. of Liege
Annick Wilmotte - Univ. of Liege
Florence Marty - SCK/CEN Belgian Nuclear Research Center
Christel Paillé - European Space Agency
Max Mergeay - SCK/CEN Belgian Nuclear Research Center

Abstract:
MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) consists of a loop of interconnected bio-reactors enabling the recycling of gas, liquid and solid wastes generated in a close environment using light as a source of energy. In terms of efficiency and safety, the risks undergone in case of a genetic evolution in the compartments are critical for the long-term operation of this human-life-sustaining system. Next to natural evolution during years of continuous culturing, one must also take into account evolutionary changes owing to hostile environmental conditions that are experienced in deep space, i.e., outside the Earth's atmosphere. Therefore it will be necessary to monitor microbial robustness, horizontal gene transfer, genetic stability, and maintenance of the axenic conditions in the MELiSSA loop.

File Size: 275K
Product Status: In Stock

See other papers presented at International Conference On Environmental Systems, July 2003, Vancouver, BC, CANAD, Session: Bioregenerative Life Support I

Purchase more technical papers and save! With TechSelect, you decide what SAE Technical Papers you need, when you need them, and how much you want to pay. Learn more >