Desiccated cyanobacteria serve as efficient plasmid DNA carrier in space flight

Abstract

AbstractEffective transport of biological systems as cargo during space travel is a critical requirement to use synthetic biology and biomanufacturing in outer space. Bioproduction using microbes will drive the extent to which many human needs can be met in environments with limited resources. Vast repositories of biological parts and strains are available to meet this need, but their on-site availability requires effective transport. Here, we explore an approach that allows DNA plasmids, a ubiquitous synthetic biology part, to be safely transported to the International Space Station and back to the Kennedy Space center, without low-temperature or cryogenic stowage. Our approach relied on the cyanobacteriumNostoc punctiformePC73102, that is naturally tolerant to prolonged desiccation. DesiccatedN. punctiformewas able to carry the non-native pSCR119 plasmid as intracellular cargo safely to space and back. Upon return to the laboratory, the extracted plasmid showed no DNA damage or additional mutations and could be used as intended to transform the model Synbio hostEscherichia colito bestow Kanamycin resistance. This proof-of-concept study provides the foundation for a ruggedized transport host for DNA to environments where there is a need to reduce equipment and infrastructure for biological parts stowage and storage.