The Biological Threat: The Threat of Planetary Quarantine Failure as a Result of Outer Space Exploration by Humans

Dokl Biol Sci. 2020 Jan;490(1):28-30. doi: 10.1134/S0012496620010093. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

The paper presents the results of experiments with spore-forming bacteria and microscopic fungi performed in the framework of the Russian Research Program outside the International Space Station. It has been found that microorganisms not only survive in this extreme environment, but also retain reproductive ability. Moreover, most microorganisms exhibit an increase in biochemical activity and resistance to antimicrobial agents, specifically antibiotics. These findings are of obvious interest to the developers of both planetary quarantine methods and biomedical safety systems for manned space exploration missions. In addition, they demonstrate the necessity of experiments on the exposure of bio-objects to simulated environmental factors beyond Earth's magnetosphere.

Keywords: biological organism; biological threat; interplanetary mission; microbial culture; orbital station; outer space exploration; planetary quarantine.

MeSH terms

  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Aspergillus / drug effects
  • Bacillus licheniformis* / physiology
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Penicillium / drug effects
  • Penicillium / physiology
  • Space Flight*
  • Spores, Bacterial / physiology
  • Spores, Fungal
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents

Supplementary concepts

  • Aspergillus versicolor
  • Penicillium expansum