Characterization of the total and viable bacterial and fungal communities associated with the International Space Station surfaces.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The International Space Station (ISS) is a closed system inhabited by microorganisms originating from life support systems, cargo, and crew that are exposed to unique selective pressures such as microgravity. To date, mandatory microbial monitoring and observational studies of spacecraft and space stations have been conducted by traditional culture methods, although it is known that many microbes cannot be cultured with standard techniques. To fully appreciate the true number and diversity of microbes that survive in the ISS, molecular and culture-based methods were used to assess microbial communities on ISS surfaces. Samples were taken at eight pre-defined locations during three flight missions spanning 14 months and analyzed upon return to Earth.

Results

The cu

SUBMITTER: Checinska Sielaff A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6452512 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature