Synergistic Interactions among Vacuum, Solar Heating, and UV Irradiation Enhance the Lethality of Interplanetary Space.

ABSTRACT: A Planetary Atmospheric Chamber (PAC) was used to create simulations of interplanetary conditions to test the spore survival of three Bacillus spp. exposed to interacting conditions of vacuum (VAC), simulated solar heating (HEAT), and simulated solar ultraviolet irradiation (UV). Synergism was observed among the experimental factors for all three Bacillus spp. tested that suggested the increased lethality of HEAT and UV when concomitantly exposed to VAC. The most aggressive biocidal effects were observed for assays with VAC + HEAT + UV conditions run simultaneously over short time-steps. The results were used to predict the accumulation of extremely rapid Sterility Assurance Levels (SALs; def., -12 logs of bioburden reduction) measured in a few minutes to a few hours for exte

SUBMITTER: Schuerger AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11509831 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature