Validation of a Two-Dimensional Clinostat Design to Provide Functional Weightlessness to Custom Gas Exchange Vessels

Understanding the impacts of microgravity on bacteria is vital for successful long duration space missions. In this environment, bacteria have been shown to become more virulent, more resistant to antibiotics and form more biofilms. To learn more about these phenomena, many experiments must be sent to the International Space Station, which is cost- and time prohibitive. Instead, the use of ground-based analogs is advantageous to define preliminary results that can later be verified with a space-based experiment. This research explored the development of an innovative 2D clinostat for simulating microgravity using bacteria. Computational fluid dynamics, standards established by previous literature and biological test methods were utilized to validate the system’s functionality. More specifically, biological validation consisted of optical density, biofilm analysis and gene regulation. Additionally, prototype vessels were created to utilize aerobic bacteria on future clinostat experiments

Evaluating Culturing Techniques of Arthrospira Platensis for Long-Term Usage

The intended research is to develop a long-term culturing technique for growing Arthrospira Platensis, a cyanobacteria that is commercially referred to as Spirulina. The chosen cyanobacteria is known as a superfood due to having high concentrations of varying nutritional values. Additional benefits of Arthrospira are that samples have been found to survive well in microgravity, can be consumed with zero processing, and removes CO2 from the atmosphere. These characteristics enable this microorganism to be an excellent candidate for use in space travel within an advanced life support system (ALSS). Experimentation for this project will consist of two main components; one being, to try to maintain a parent culture of Arthrospira with as little maintenance as possible. The other component would be to begin growing the Arthrospira in flasks to grow subcultures for experimentation. Ideally, only a small volume of the original strain is managed to reduce the resources required for maintenance and reduce the likeliness of contamination. Experimentation for this project will consist of two main components; one being, to try to maintain a parent culture of Arthrospira with as little maintenance as possible. The other component would be to begin growing the Arthrospira in flasks to grow subcultures for experimentation. The storage environments for maintaining a small parent culture will consist of placing samples in an ultracold freezer, at -80°C, an average refrigeration environment of ~2°C, and in room temperature with low light conditions. These environments reduce cellular activity and growth rates dramatically while still allowing the survival of the strain. Future work on Arthrospira will be conducted to examine growth rates under varying temperatures and light conditions, to observe chlorophyll and protein concentrations through fluorescence spectroscopy, and even exposing the cyanobacteria to radiation as well as a vacuum environment

Assessing the Interaction Between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes in Simulated Microgravity Conditions

With the upcoming events of returning humans to the Moon and then to Mars, the study and application of food growth systems in space is becoming increasingly important. Beyond traditional plant-based food production, researchers are examining the ability to include cyanobacteria and/or microalgae production systems. These systems would be able to provide astronauts with fresh vitamin supplementation as well to efficiently fix carbon dioxide, supply oxygen, and recycle wastewater. However, these cultures must be maintained without contamination to ensure the safety of the crew and to prevent inefficiencies to the air and water filtration abilities of the microorganisms. On these extended missions in space, contamination events are very plausible so it becomes vital to understanding the effect on the photosynthetic organisms and how these events can be resolved. This work aims to use Chlorella vulgaris (a popular microalgae for space research) and Escherichia coli (a gram-negative bacteria that is found in the human gut) to simulate a contamination effect and study the competitive nature that ensues. More specifically, a mixed culture of the two microorganisms will be placed in simulated microgravity conditions followed by a series of assays to identify differences that occur. The experiments will utilize a spectrophotometer to identify chlorophyll concentration, microscopy for cell count changes, and image analysis software to measure colonies of C. vulgaris clumping together. Through this research, it will become possible to provide initial recommendations on handling contamination events in space while also giving insight into additional studies for space microbial ecology

Autonomous Satellite Recovery Vehicle (ASRV) Final Report

In collaboration with Embry-Riddle Future Space Explorers and Developers Society (ERFSEDS), we came up with the idea to build a quad-copter/sensor system that could be deployed from a rocket. The goal is to build a new chassis for the quad-copters electronic components that will allow the quad-copters arms to fold inwards to meet the required space constraints of a rocket. In addition to the critical components of the quad-copter, our design will integrate a number of other data collecting sub-systems currently being used in a weather balloon designed by Society 4 S.P.A.C.E. club members. After being jettisoned from the rocket, the sensor systems objective would be to collect atmospheric data as it descends. At the altitude of 2,000 feet the quad-copter would be programmed to deploy a parachute. Once it has reached a safe velocity the arms would extend, motors engage, and the quad would autonomously navigate to a prearranged location. Flight planning will be done using a preexisting flight planning application. Data gathered from the sensors will include pressure, temperature, humidity, wind, and video. This project will give us a better understanding of rocket propulsion systems and the effect of launch on the payload. It will also allow us to gain valuable research, data retrieval, team development and multi-club collaboration experience

Biological Validation of a Microgravity Analog for Bacteria and Cell Cultures

With the future of long duration spaceflight missions looking to expand from the International Space Station (ISS) to deep space, it must be ensured that all critical systems, living and non-living, are thoroughly developed before humans begin the extended voyage. As we continue to unravel the effects of microgravity on cells, more questions arise on the molecular and cellular components and processes that sense and react to lowered gravity conditions. We have developed a microgravity analog that could simulate the effects of reduced gravity on cells and that could be maintained for a period of time long enough to observe and measure a wide variety of biological responses. On this instrument, the simulation of the effects of microgravity occurs when the samples rotate perpendicular to the gravity vector, moving in a very small circular path in the media that can be calculated based on Stoke’s Law. Once this path is significantly smaller than the natural diffusive motion, the cells can be assumed to be experiencing “functional weightlessness”. Here we present a new 2D clinostat design that operates under gravity and simulated microgravity conditions, simultaneously, and that is scalable to accommodate up to forty 2-mL liquid samples. This design was originally intended for bacterial studies that require a high number of replicates during multiple timepoints and it was mathematically and biologically validated using phenotypic and transcriptional endpoints on Escherichia coli K12 cultures

Arabidopsis Under Microgravity

The research project will focus on the influence of simulated microgravity on the growth rate using clinorotation during the germination period of Arabidopsis. Arabidopsis is a small, flowering plant that can be found in Eurasia and Africa. It is suitable for laboratory research, because of its short life cycle and small sequenced genome. The experiment includes germinating the seeds and exposing the seedlings to simulated gravity achieved by vertical rotation on a clinostat. Vertical rotation will establish a constantly changing gravity vector, creating an environment similar to microgravity. After a period of rotation, the seedlings will be planted and grown in a growth chamber to complete their life cycle. Growth will be measured and evaluated, comparing the samples exposed to microgravity and 1g gravity. It is expected to see a change in the direction of lateral growth, as well as a vertically increased growth rate of the samples exposed to vertical clinorotation. This experiment is important to the field because it will give us insight into the effects of microgravity on plant growth, which will be valuable when thinking about long term space travel and the availability of nutrition. The more studies conducted on this topic, the more prepared current, and future researchers will be in growing plants in microgravity conditions

Development of a 3D Printed Clinostat

A largely unknown topic is how reduced gravity (hypogravity) affects organisms and their functionalities at a cellular level. A common method to conduct initial hypogravity testing is using a device known as a clinostat. Essentially, a culture of microorganisms or plant seeds can be placed at a specific radius perpendicular to the axis of rotation and rotated at a set RPM to simulate the experience of being in the lowered gravity environment. An issue with purchasing any commercial versions is the cost being very large for a customized system. To overcome this, multiple iterations have been developed to increasingly improve the system. Currently, the entire framework is 3D printed and manages to operate experimental and control conditions in one unit. Because of the flexibility of the design, customized parts are very easy to develop. This results in a fast and low-cost turnaround for new tube holders to account for any desired experiment. Future experiments will be conducted on Arthrospira Platensis, Abaena, and varying plant seeds to estimate their viability in reduced gravity environments (e.g. Martian or Microgravity)

Phenotypic Changes Occurring in Escherichia coli Cells Previously Exposed to Simulated Microgravity

As humans explore space, bacteria will not only be present but will also be adapting to the extreme environment of space. During space missions astronauts have been shown to be immunocompromised which makes it imperative to understand the effects of space stressors (i.e., increased background radiation and microgravity(μg)) on bacteria. Current research has demonstrated an increase in virulence, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance. This research aims to identify multiple phenotypical changes that occur in E. coli cells exposed to simulated μg after 24 hours, 4 days, and 22 days. Specifically, this work observes changes in antibiotic resistance, osmotic tolerance, acidic tolerance, and oxidative stress. Preliminary experiments with antibiotic resistance utilizing the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) method have demonstrated that exposure to simulated μg has a direct correlation of increased antibiotic resistance to some antibiotics with the increased duration of exposure. Additionally, increasing osmotic concentration inhibits the growth until four percent of sodium chloride and further increases have completely inhibited growth. These results can potentially be utilized for controlling growth of pathogenic bacteria in space. Additional studies using these two experiments as well as oxidative and pH stress will be explored

ERAU\u27s First Suborbital Payload for Cell Research

Commercial Space Operations and Aerospace Engineering students from Embry-Riddle are working with students and faculty from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and Medical University of South Carolina to launch a suborbital payload onboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket during the summer of 2017. This NanoLab experiment, exposed to microgravity, will consist of T-cells primed with different cytokines that may help us expand our understanding of future treatments for terminal diseases. The first team, Operations team, is conducting the physical testing of the NanoLab by measuring the survivability of the payload under extreme conditions of the suborbital flight. This team is developing operational procedures and data collection guidelines for the different mission phases. The data collected includes accelerations in the X, Y, and Z directions, temperature, and relative humidity. The Engineering team is in charge of the design, analysis and development of the 2U cube-structure that will house the experiment and will be capable of withstanding the forces experienced during the suborbital mission

Acceptability and feasibility of wearing activity monitors in community-dwelling older adults with dementia

Objectives Measuring physical activity is complicated particularly in people with dementia, where activity levels are low and subjective measures are susceptible to inaccurate recall. Activity monitors are increasingly being used within research; however, it is unclear how people with dementia view wearing such devices and what aspects of the device effect wear time. The aim of the study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of people with dementia wearing activity monitors. Methods Twenty‐six, community‐dwelling, people with mild dementia were asked to wear an activity monitor (GENEactiv Original) over a 1‐month period. Perceptions of the device were measured using the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST) 2.0, alongside qualitative interviews. Device diary and activity monitor data were used to assess compliance. Results Participants tended to find wearing the activity monitors acceptable, with only three participants (12%) withdrawing prior to the study end date. Participants were generally satisfied with wearing the devices as measured by the QUEST (Mdn = 4.4, IQR = 1.1). Four themes were identified that influenced perceptions of wearing the device: external influences, design, routine, and perceived benefits. Discussion Asking people with dementia to wear a wrist‐worn activity monitor for prolonged periods appears to be both feasible and acceptable. Researchers need to consider the needs and preferences of the sample population prior to selecting activity monitors