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BELISSIMA
The research Unit for Microbiology in SCK•CEN is involved in the development of novel methods to detect metabolic/genomic instability, microbial contaminants and horizontal gene transfer in the MELiSSA loop. MELiSSA (Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative) is a multidisciplinary project of the European Space Agency. It aims at the development of a bioregenerative life-support system to enable future long duration manned space missions (e.g. to Mars) by reconversion of organic gas, liquid and solid wastes into oxygen, water and food. Proper functioning of the MELiSSA loop will be dependent on the stability and axenicity of each of its compartments.
With the consumption of pharmaceuticals and the use of personal care products, biologically active chemicals enter the MELiSSA loop. The fate of these compounds is currently unknown. If the contaminating chemical is recalcitrant, there is a danger that it could travel through the loop. Hence it can be directly reingested by the crew through plant and cyanobacteria consumption, thus leading to potential health hazards.
Via the BELISSIMA project the xenobiotic-degrading potential of the MELiSSA organisms and the effects of these compounds on the MELiSSA bacteria themselves is assessed. Due to the omnipresence and recalcitrance of the antibacterial agent triclosan, a major part of the researched is focused on the secondary effects of sublethal concentrations of Triclosan on the bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum.
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