We present the "MicroPET" mission, consisting of an autonomous payload for enzymatic reactions and microbial cultivation with fully programmable serial passaging and sample preservation. The payload is a compact, modular bioreactor system that allows for automatic media transfers and precise data monitoring from integrated sensors (e.g., temperature, optical density, etc.). We apply this system to study the biological upcycling of the commonly used polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in space in a two-step system in which PET film is enzymatically degraded and microbially upcycled.
The payload system was launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS-26 on November 26th, 2022.
We present the "MicroPET" mission, consisting of an autonomous payload for enzymatic reactions and microbial cultivation with fully programmable serial passaging and sample preservation. The payload is a compact, modular bioreactor system that allows for automatic media transfers and precise data monitoring from integrated sensors (e.g., temperature, optical density, etc.). We apply this system to study the biological upcycling of the commonly used polymer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in space in a two-step system in which PET film is enzymatically degraded and microbially upcycled.
The payload system was launched to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS-26 on November 26th, 2022.