Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #30897: Cleaning Up in Space: Genetic Exchange for Biofilm Bioremediation on the ISS

In the realm of space science, even the tiniest life forms can have a big impact. Microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, behave very differently in microgravity. One of the most intriguing challenges they present is the formation of biofilms—colonies of microbes that stick to surfaces and produce a protective layer. These biofilms can be harmful by clogging water systems, corroding equipment, or affecting human health. The Polaris Bioremediation Science Experiment investigated a fascinating solution: using genetic exchange to enhance bioremediation in space.

Bioremediation refers to the use of living organisms to clean up contaminants, such as pollutants or toxic substances. On Earth, certain bacteria are used to degrade oil spills, clean wastewater, or remove heavy metals from soil. In space, the principles are the same, but the environment adds complexity. Microgravity affects how microbes grow, communicate, and exchange genetic material—key factors in biofilm formation and breakdown.

Led by Principal Investigator Jonathan Wilson at NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center, the Polaris experiment was conducted aboard the ISS during Expedition 73. The goal was to study how genetic exchange mechanisms, such as plasmid transfer, function in microgravity. Specifically, researchers wanted to know whether beneficial traits, like the ability to break down biofilms or resist stress, could be transferred between bacterial species more or less efficiently in space.

To explore this, the team sent specially selected strains of bacteria to the ISS. Some of these bacteria had genes that allowed them to degrade components of biofilms. Others were chosen for their ability to accept new genetic material. By co-culturing these microbes in microgravity and monitoring their interactions, scientists observed how effectively genetic traits were transferred and whether this enhanced their bioremediation potential.

The findings were eye-opening. The genetic exchange rates differed significantly from those observed on Earth, highlighting that microgravity can accelerate or hinder horizontal gene transfer depending on the microbial context. In some cases, bacteria became more efficient at breaking down biofilms, while others showed unexpected behaviors.

These discoveries are crucial for future space missions. Biofilm contamination is a serious concern in spacecraft, where maintaining sterile conditions is critical. Enhancing microbial bioremediation through genetic manipulation could provide a sustainable way to control biofilms, protect equipment, and safeguard astronaut health.

Beyond space applications, the Polaris experiment contributes to our understanding of microbial evolution, resilience, and adaptability. It opens up possibilities for engineering bacteria tailored for extreme environments—whether in orbit, on Mars, or in contaminated Earth environments.

By exploring genetic exchange in space, Polaris not only aims to clean up the cosmos but also adds a powerful tool to the field of biotechnology.

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