Algae as sustainable food in space missions

Microalgae Bioactive Compounds to Topical Applications Products—A Review

“…Fucoxanthin is an important carotenoid for human health that is marketed at USD 30,000 per gram and is considered a valued nutraceutical product or functional food to prevent or help treat different diseases [ 72 , 73 , 74 ]. Recent research on the use of diatoms rich in carotenoids has been extended to space missions where resources are limited and the need to implement CO 2 recycling systems provides an opportunity to produce O 2 and food based on microalgal biomass as an alternative to health supplementation for humans in these conditions [ 69 , 75 , 76 ]. Additionally, in vitro experiments on human fibroblasts have reported that even small doses of infrared radiation can produce free radicals, affect collagen and elastin expression, and upregulate metalloproteinases ( MMP s), representing an area of opportunity for the development of alternative supplementation to obtain antioxidants [ 77 ].…”

Toward sustainable space exploration: a roadmap for harnessing the power of microorganisms

“…Recycling CO 2 and/or methane back into the organic matter could improve loop-closure and preserve resources. Microbial bioremediation can support the removal of CO 2 from the atmosphere in habitats, while also supplementing the generation of breathable oxygen 20 . The captured carbon may be upcycled again and reintegrated into the resource cycle, e.g., for the biomanufacturing of food/supplements.…”

“…Additional attributes of the inoculum geared towards spaceflight could also consist of bacteria/fungi that help maximise resource efficiency, thereby requiring less input for optimal growth. Algae and cyanobacteria may be cultivated not only for air revitalization, as discussed before, but also as a food source and to support plant growth 9,20 .…”