Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 1, 2026
13:11
Using Flexible Gold-Titanium Reaction Cells to Simulate Pressure-Dependent Microbial Activity in the Context of Subsurface Biomining
Published on: October 5, 2019
7.2K
Microbial biomining from asteroidal material onboard the international space station
Rosa Santomartino1,2, Giovanny Rodriguez Blanco3,4, Alfred Gudgeon5
1UK Centre for Astrobiology, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. rosa.santomartino@cornell.edu.
NPJ Microgravity
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Microorganisms can extract elements from asteroids in space. The BioAsteroid experiment showed specific fungi enhanced metal recovery in microgravity, offering insights for space resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Astrobiology
- Biotechnology
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Sustainable space exploration requires in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
- Asteroids are potential sources of valuable elements, including platinum group elements.
- Microbial leaching (bioleaching) is a promising ISRU technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of microorganisms in extracting elements from asteroidal material under microgravity.
- To compare bioleaching with non-biological leaching in space.
- To investigate the metabolic responses of microbes in the space environment.
Main Methods:
- The BioAsteroid experiment utilized L-chondrite material and various microorganisms.
- Experiments were conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) under microgravity.
- Element extraction was quantified, and microbial metabolism was analyzed using metabolomics.
Main Results:
- Penicillium simplicissimum significantly enhanced the release of palladium, platinum, and other elements compared to non-biological leaching in microgravity.
- Non-biological leaching was more effective for many elements in microgravity than on Earth.
- Microgravity induced distinct metabolic changes in P. simplicissimum, including increased production of carboxylic acids.
Conclusions:
- Microgravity significantly impacts bioleaching processes, requiring tailored approaches.
- Optimizing the combination of microorganisms, substrate, and conditions is crucial for successful space biomining.
- The study identified potential biomining and pharmaceutical compounds produced by microbes in space.
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