Scientists from University College Dublin, Maynooth University, and University of Glasgow have initiated an important study focusing on the behaviour of biofilms in space. This research aims to understand the implications of biofilms for human health during long-duration spaceflights, with findings recently published in the journal npj biofilms and microbiomes.
Biofilms, often described as microbial “cities,” consist of communities of microorganisms that create protective structures around themselves. They are ubiquitous on Earth and play a vital role in supporting human and plant health. Despite their significance, the effects of spaceflight conditions on biofilm functionality and resilience remain largely unexplored.
Dr Katherine J Baxter, the study’s first author and coordinator of the UK Space Life and Biomedical Sciences Association, emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of biofilms. “Biofilms are often considered from an infection viewpoint and treated as a problem to eliminate,” she stated. “In reality, they are the prevailing microbial lifestyle that supports healthy biological systems.”
Research indicates that space environments provide a unique opportunity to study biofilm organization and functionality. Notably, even Earth-based spaceflight simulations can alter biofilm stress tolerance and functionality. The team discovered varying impacts across different microbial species when assessed on various platforms.
Roadmap for Future Research
The researchers have developed a roadmap to apply advanced genetic and biochemical methods in order to gain deeper insights into biofilm adaptability in space. This initiative is part of the GeneLab Microbes Analysis Working Group, collaborating with the NASA Open Science Data Repository.
Dr Eszter Sas, co-author and metabolomics specialist at Maynooth University, highlighted the crucial role of biofilms in supporting plant life during space missions. “Plants will sit at the centre of long-duration spaceflight missions, and plant performance depends on biofilm interactions in and around plant root systems,” she explained.
By leveraging multispecies genetics and biochemistry, researchers are expected to uncover novel mechanisms of biofilm responses to spaceflight conditions. Such advancements are anticipated to bridge significant gaps in understanding the signalling and metabolic processes at the interaction of biofilms and plant roots.
Insights for Earth and Beyond
Prof Nicholas J B Brereton, the study’s senior author and an assistant professor at the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science, noted the dual benefits of this research. “The translation of value runs both ways,” he stated. “Spaceflight can reveal new biology under unfamiliar stress, and those insights can inform approaches for health and agriculture on Earth.”
As exploration of the cosmos continues, understanding the role of biofilms could be a key factor in ensuring the health and sustainability of human life in space. The significance of this research extends beyond space exploration, potentially informing agricultural practices and health strategies on our home planet.
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