Non-axenic microalgae cultivation in space – Challenges for the membrane µgPBR of the ISS experiment PBR@LSR

Date

2018-07-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

48th International Conference on Environmental Systems

Abstract

The spaceflight experiment PBR@LSR (Photobioreactor at the Life Support Rack) shall demonstrate for the first time the technology and performance of a hybrid life support system – a combination of physico-chemical and biotechnological components – under real space conditions during an operation period of 180 days. To be launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018, PBR@LSR combines the carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrator of ESA’s Life Support Rack (LSR) with an advanced microalgae photobioreactor (PBR). Accommodated in the Destiny module, LSR will concentrate CO2 from the cabin atmosphere. A dedicated interface allows the utilization of the highly concentrated surplus CO2 for the cultivation of the green microalgae species Chlorella vulgaris. Current research at the University of Stuttgart focuses on the fundamental investigation and optimization of non-axenic cultivation processes in µg capable membrane PBRs. This includes the characterization of influences of accompanying bacteria on the non-axenic microalgae culture stability within the PBR suspension loop, photosynthetic capacity as well as overall biomass composition. This paper discusses in general possible influences of emerging bacteria-induced biofilm formation and cell clustering due to non-axenic processing on the long term functionality of µg adapted PBR systems, e.g. PBR@LSR.

Description

Harald Helisch, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Stefan Belz, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Jochen Keppler, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Gisela Detrell, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Norbert Henn, Space Exploration Advice Henn
Stefanos Fasoulas, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Reinhold Ewald, Institute of Space Systems, University Stuttgart
Oliver Angerer, German Space Administration (DLR)
ICES500: Life Science/Life Support Research Technologies
The 48th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA on 08 July 2018 through 12 July 2018.

Keywords

PBR@LSR, ISS experiment, microalgae, Chlorella vulgaris, long-term cultivation, biofilm

Citation