Survey and Evaluation of Spacecraft-Associated Aluminum-Degrading Microbes and Their Rapid Identification Methods

Aluminum corrosion has become a major obstacle in spacecraft construction given that aluminum is used extensively throughout the construction process. Despite its many attributes in strength and durability, aluminum is susceptible to corrosion, in particular, corrosion due to microbial contamination. Scientists have encountered a number of problems with microbial aluminum corrosion within spacecraft components. Here, we summarize recent findings with regard to the phenomenon of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) on space stations in the context of microbial strains isolated from the Mir space station (Mir) and the International Space Station (ISS). Given that strains found on spacecraft are of terrestrial origin, an understanding of the contribution of Al-corrosive microbes to corrosion and related risks to space travel and astronaut health is essential for implementation of prevention strategies. Accordingly, an efficient rapid identification method of microbes with the capability to degrade aluminum is proposed. In particular, onboard implementation of a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) is addressed. The use of a MALDI-TOF MS on board spacecraft will be crucial to future successes in space travel given that traditional methods of identifying corrosive species are far more time-consuming. Identification of microbes by way of a MALDI-TOF MS may also aid in the study of microbial corrosion and be a valuable asset for MIC prevention.