Science Repository

Can Microbes be Used in Outer Space to Mine Resources?

Because microorganisms are the most widespread form of life on earth and are capable of colonising almost any environment, scientists usually focus on microbial life in the field of astrobiology. Moreover, small and simple cells usually evolve first on a planet rather than larger, multicellular organisms, and have an increased likelihood of being transported from one planet to another via the panspermia theory. Modern technology has already allowed us to use microbes to assist us in extracting materials on Earth, including over 25% of our current copper supply. Similarly, microbes could help serve a similar purpose on other planets to mine resources, extract useful materials, or create self-sustaining reactors.

The most promising of these candidates known to date is cyanobacteria. Billions of years ago, cyanobacteria originally helped us create a habitable Earth by pumping oxygen into the atmosphere and manage to exist in the darkest corners of the Earth. Cyanobacteria, along with some other rock-eating microbes, seem to be able to withstand the harsh conditions of the vacuum of space without much effort. On Mars, however, cyanobacteria will not even have to endure such harsh conditions. Scientists are currently working on the possibility of installing bioreactors or similar facilities on Mars, which would run entirely on cyanobacteria and provide material for the creation of fuel cells, soil crust formation, regolith amelioration, extraction of useful metals/elements, nutrient release into the soil, and dust removal.

Microneedles Pierce Biofilm for More Effective Delivery of Antibiotics to Wounds

Scientists have developed a microneedle array that can puncture biofilm covering ulcerated tissues and cells. The needles deliver antibiotics to the wounds by absorption of liquid underneath the biofilm and then it gets dissolved. Scientists have developed a flexible polymer composite microneedle array that can overcome the physicochemical bacterial biofilm present in chronic and nonhealing wounds that can deliver both oxygen and bactericidal agents simultaneously. The biofilm acts as a shield and hinders antibiotics from reaching infected cells and tissues. When these microneedles pierce through the shield – they can absorb the fluid underneath and dissolve, which can deliver the antibiotic directly to the ulcerated cells and tissues. The microneedles do not cause pain since they are not long enough to touch nerve endings in the foot. The lack of proper treatment of infected ulcers can result in bacteremia and sepsis. As a result, chronic wounds are the key cause of limb amputations. The next step is in the development of the microneedles beyond the proof-of-concept stage, i.e., to find partners to conduct human tests.