Abstract
The MELiSSA project of the European Space Agency, ESA, aims to create a bio-regenerative life support system for long term space travels. One of the bacteria needed in this system is Arthrospira sp.
The objective of this study is to elucidate the impact of oxygen concentration and gas pressure on growth in a batch cultures of Arthrospira sp. PCC 8005. Cultures were grown in 100 ml closed septum vials with Zarrouk-UBP medium, at 30 ⁰C with 32 µE m-2 s-1 of irradiance and shaken at 130 rpm. Growth was monitored measuring OD750nm. Produced oxygen was accumulated. Oxygen tests were done with an initial 100% oxygen gas phase, in comparison to 100% argon, both at initial 1 bar.
Pressure tests were done at 1, 2 and 3 bars of starting absolute pressure in 100% argon. Growth parameters were calculated using a modified Gompertz function.
The oxygen concentration has only a limited effect on the growth rate. Growth tests at elevated pressures of up to 3 bar had no effect on neither growth parameter. Test results at elevated pressures with 100% oxygen pressures, are expected to prove and further quantify the inhibitory effect of oxygen on the growth.
Original language | English |
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Place of Publication | Bilao, Spain |
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State | Published - 23 Jun 2015 |