Quantification of Encapsulated Bioburden in Spacecraft Polymer Materials by Cultivation-Dependent and Molecular Methods

Anja Bauermeister*, Alexander Mahnert*, Anna K. Auerbach, Alexander Böker, Niwin Flier, Christina Weber, Alexander J. Probst, Christine Moissl-Eichinger*, Klaus Haberer

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Bioburden encapsulated in spacecraft polymers (such as adhesives and coatings) poses a potential risk to jeopardize scientific exploration of other celestial bodies. This is particularly critical for spacecraft components intended for hard landing. So far, it remained unclear if polymers are indeed a source of microbial contamination. In addition, data with respect to survival of microbes during the embedding/polymerization process are sparse. In this study we developed testing strategies to quantitatively examine encapsulated bioburden in five different polymers used frequently and in large quantities on spaceflight hardware. As quantitative extraction of the bioburden from polymerized (solid) materials did not prove feasible, contaminants were extracted from uncured precursors. Cultivation-based analyses revealed
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere94265
JournalPLoS ONE
Volume9
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Fields of Expertise

  • Human- & Biotechnology

Treatment code (Nähere Zuordnung)

  • Application

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