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Related Experiment Videos

Bioregeneration with maltose excreting Chlorella: system concept, technological development, and experiments

L Wolf1

  • 1European Space Agency ESTEC, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Advances in Space Biology and Medicine
|January 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary

ESA developed a bioregenerative system using Chlorella algae for space missions. The prototype successfully produced oxygen and maltose, demonstrating potential for long-term life support.

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Area of Science:

  • Space Biology
  • Bioregenerative Life Support Systems

Background:

  • Long-term space missions require sustainable life support systems.
  • Bioregenerative systems offer a potential solution by recycling resources.
  • Microalgae cultivation is a promising approach for producing oxygen, water, and food.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and test a small-scale bioregenerative life support system prototype.
  • To cultivate a maltose-producing strain of Chlorella algae for space applications.
  • To assess the functionality of key system components in a simulated space environment.

Main Methods:

  • Cultivation of Chlorella algae in a photo-bioreactor.
  • Development and testing of auxiliary components: gas/liquid separator, pneumatic pump, dehumidifier, maltose separator, liquid transfer system.

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  • Integration and preliminary testing of a prototype system.
  • Sterilization and disinfection procedures for system components.
  • Controlled culture experiments for up to 8 weeks.
  • Gas loop experiments with a consumer organism (Periplaneta).

    • Main Results:

    • Achieved algal biomass concentration of 9 g/L dry weight and maltose production of 17 g/L.
    • The low shear-stress pneumatic pump operated reliably without damaging cells.
    • Maximum oxygen production rate of 2 mL/min achieved with specific aeration.
    • Demonstrated control of the Chlorella culture to meet consumer needs in a closed gas loop.
    • Successfully avoided microbial contamination in most experimental runs.

    Conclusions:

    • The prototype bioregenerative system shows promise for space applications.
    • Key components function as designed, with potential for further optimization.
    • Challenges remain in maintaining long-term sterility and system reliability.
    • Further research is needed to demonstrate the advantages over non-regenerative systems.