GRAVITATIONAL EFFECTS ON BIOFILM FORMATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT (MICRO-2) &
MICROBIAL BIOFILM FORMATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT (MICRO-2A), TWO INVESTIGATIONS
Research Area: Microbiology
Expedition(s): 23, 24, 27, and 28
Principal Investigator(s): ● Cynthia H. Collins, PhD, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy,
New York
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The Gravitational Effects on Biofilm Formation during
Spaceflight (Micro-2) experiment studies how gravity
alters biofilm (aggregation of microorganisms) formation
with the goal of developing new strategies to reduce their
impact on crew health and to minimize the harmful
effects of biofilms on materials in space and on Earth.EARTH BENEFITS
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC),
hospital-acquired infections are the fourth leading cause
of death in the United States behind stroke, cancer, and
heart disease. Furthermore, it is estimated that more
than 65% of all bacterial infections are associated with
biofilms. A greater understanding of biofilms is essential if
we are to find effective methods to combat their
formation. Furthermore, the low-shear conditions
microbes experience in microgravity are similar to those
found in the human body that are difficult to study. This
work may provide new insights into the role of shear and
other physical effects, such as convection, on biofilm
formation.SPACE BENEFITS
Understanding the different effects of microgravity on biofilm formation may provide new
insights into combating biofilm formation in space and may lead to better management and
treatment of infections if they occur. Also, novel antimicrobial surfaces are tested for their
potential to reduce the impact of biofilms in future spacecraft design.
RESULTS
While planktonic cultures (grown under constant mixing) of microbes have indicated that
spaceflight can lead to increases in growth and virulence, the effects of spaceflight on biofilm
development and physiology remain unclear. To address this issue, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
was cultured during 2 Space Shuttle Atlantis missions: STS-132 and STS-135, and the biofilms
formed during spaceflight were characterized. Micro-2 reveals the first evidence of spaceflight
affecting the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa. An increased number of viable cells, increased
biomass, and increased thickness were observed in spaceflight biofilms when compared to
The Group Activation Pack - Fluid
Processing Apparatuses is essentially a
microgravity test tube that allows
controlled, sequential mixing of 2 or 3
fluids in a weightless environment.
BioServe Space Technologies, University
of Colorado - Boulder, Colorado image.