A report presents a phenotypic and genotypic characterization of a bacterial species that has been found to be of the genus Bacillus and has been tentatively named B. odysseensis because it was isolated from surfaces of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft as part of continuing research on techniques for sterilizing spacecraft to prevent contamination of remote planets by terrestrial species. B. odysseensis is a Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium that forms round spores. The exosporium has been conjectured to play a role in the elevated resistance to sterilization. Research on the exosporium is proposed as a path toward improved means of sterilization, medical treatment, and prevention of biofouling.
This work was done by Myron La Duc and Kasthuri Venkateswaran of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Bio-Medical category.
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Refer to NPO-40041, volume and number of this NASA Tech Briefs issue, and the page number.
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Spore-Foaming Bacteria That Resist Sterialization
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Overview
The document presents a technical report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailing the discovery and characterization of a novel bacterial species, Bacillus odysseensis, isolated from the surfaces of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. This spore-forming bacterium is notable for its extreme resistance to various sterilization methods, which raises important implications for planetary protection and contamination control in space exploration.
The identification of B. odysseensis was achieved through a combination of phenotypic characterization, 16S rDNA sequencing, and DNA-DNA hybridization studies. The bacterium is described as a Gram-positive, rod-shaped eubacterium that produces endospores. The type strain exhibits a rod shape, measuring 4-5 μm in length and 1 μm in diameter, and is motile. The research highlights the bacterium's ability to survive under harsh conditions, including desiccation (100% survival), exposure to hydrogen peroxide (26% survival), UV radiation (10% survival at 660 J/m²), and gamma radiation (0.4% survival).
The document outlines the methodologies used for the characterization of the bacterium, including routine biochemical tests, PCR amplification of the 16S rDNA, and subsequent sequencing to confirm its identity. The phylogenetic relationships were established by comparing the sequences to existing data in public databases, and evolutionary trees were constructed using PAUP software.
The discovery of B. odysseensis is significant not only for its resilience but also for its potential applications in biotechnology and planetary protection. The findings suggest that this bacterium could inform the development of more effective sterilization techniques, which are crucial for preventing biological contamination of extraterrestrial environments. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding microbial life in the context of space exploration, as it can provide insights into the survival mechanisms of life in extreme conditions.
In conclusion, the report serves as a comprehensive overview of the isolation and characterization of Bacillus odysseensis, highlighting its unique properties and the implications for future space missions and microbial research. The work underscores the need for continued exploration of microbial life in space and its potential impact on planetary protection strategies.
