Study of capability of microorganisms to develop on construction materials used in space objects.
- Paper number
IAC-06-A1.P.2.06
- Author
Ms. Yulia Svistunova, Institute for Biomedical Problems, Russia
- Year
2006
- Abstract
One of the most topical issues nowadays in the whole set of space research is the study of microbiological risks {medical, technical, technological}. Experiments held onboard MIR station and International Space Station {ISS} clearly demonstrated capacity of microorganisms to contaminate the environment, equipment and belonging of habitual compartments of space objects. In this connection microorganisms-biodestructors play an important role. In their vital functioning they are capable of causing biological damage of different polymers, biocorrosion of metals which can lead to serious difficulties in performing long-term flights, namely the planned mission to Mars. Our purpose was to study capability of growth and reproduction of microorganisms on construction materials of various chemical composition as the first stage of biodestruction process. In our research we used "flight" strains of bacteria {Bacillus subtilus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Pseudomonas pumilus etc.} recovered from the ISS environment in several missions. For control we used "earth" bacteria species with typical properties. To model the environment of the ISS we took construction materials which are widely used in the interior and equipment of the ISS. The results we’ve obtained show that some microorganisms are capable of living and reproducing themselves on construction materials and their capability is more pronounced than that of the "earth" species. The best capability for growth and reproduction was characteristic of Bacillus subtilus.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-A1.P.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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