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Pilot CELSS based on a maltose-excreting Chlorella: concept and overview on the technological developments
1European Space Agency, ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Advances in Space Research : the Official Journal of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR)
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study presents a simplified two-compartment artificial ecosystem using Chlorella algae to produce maltose, a direct carbon source for consumers. This approach avoids biomass accumulation and eliminates the need for a decomposer, enabling space life support.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Biotechnology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- Ecosystems typically have three compartments: producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- Complex ecosystems are challenging to engineer for space life support.
- A simplified model is needed for artificial ecosystems in space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified, two-compartment artificial ecosystem for space life support.
- To utilize Chlorella algae for efficient biomass and nutrient cycling.
- To provide a direct carbon source for consumers, minimizing waste.
Main Methods:
- Selected a two-compartment model based on symbiotic Chlorella (strain 241.80).
- Tuned Chlorella to produce maltose at low pH.
- Designed a system for recovering excreted maltose.
Main Results:
- Chlorella produces maltose, a readily edible carbon source for consumers.
- Maltose production prevents the accumulation of inedible biomass.
- Consumers fully catabolize maltose to CO2, obviating the need for a decomposer.
Conclusions:
- A two-compartment artificial ecosystem using Chlorella is feasible for space life support.
- Maltose production by Chlorella offers an efficient nutrient cycling strategy.
- The developed technology is compatible with space applications for supporting small consumers.