https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fcayLvGydqrythHE0kVfzz_jTNRJTnAV/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bm8jx7XOyAcnOP8vyOGFliBgmVIUGfZm?usp=sharing

Transgenic Seed and Microbe

In a recent article by Maria et.al, a total of five novel genes conferring UV resistance to E. coli were retrieved from microorganisms of environments highly exposed to radiation. Among them, encoded proteins with known functions (pML5 and pML56-orf2), and the other three genes (from pML6, pML56-orf1, and pML105) encoded unknown and conserved hypothetical proteins of unknown function are recognized on a database which could be the potential target when comes to form recombinant Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve the cell viability as well as activity. There was a group of researchers reported that a Deinococcus-specific gene encoding a novel WHy domain-containing hydrophobic LEA5C protein (named DrwH) is recognized in the D. radiodurans R1 strain due to the presence of abiotic stress. This gene expression further suggested the possibility of the formation of recombinant PGPR through gene induction to triggering the mechanism protecting from the abiotic stress.

There have also been promising results from the recent experiments of genetically engineered crops like lettuce, spinach, blueberry, etc. These research outcomes have suggested that the transformation of irradiation-resistant genes stated above into the crops via Agrobacterium tumefaciens is highly convincible. The seeds produced from the transgenic crop would inherit the same transgenic genome. In another saying, the transgenic seeds would be used for the proposed deployable crop production system. The seeds would be dried within 60-100 degrees Celsius on a piece of parchment paper or fine mesh screen before storing them in long term. The drying duration is approximately 2 days for small seeds whereas 10 days for larger seeds. Besides, the seeds with a gel-coated seed like tomato seed have to be placed in a bowl of water with regular stirring/shaking for the gel to break down and come off the seed before proceeding to dry out. The seeds would be sealed in a vacuum ziplock bag before putting into an opaque container to reduce fluctuation of temperature and light intensity. Moisture absorbing packet or dry rice grains may be put along with the seed packet to avoid moisture. The optimum long-term storage condition (3-5years) for the seeds is 4 degrees Celsius or below.

Nutrient Growth Medium

In terms of PGPR, it would firstly be genetically modified through recombinant technology. Abiotic stress especially irradiation-resistance genes would be inserted into PGPR before encapsulating them using the bioformulation technique. Gel carrier like carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) along with the nano-additive are considered during microbial inoculation. It would become a gel-like polysaccharide containing the encapsulated PGPR which not only increases the cell viability and activity but the plant growth would also be enhanced. Superabsorbent hydrogels (SAH) is proposed as it manages to retain a lot of water in 3D network cross-links followed by slow release along with the nutrients from the gel. The nano additives may also enhance the stability of microbial-encapsulated products in response to environmental stress (e.g., desiccation, heat, and UV inactivation). Notably, the encapsulation techniques which will only activate the release of PGPR under certain circumstances (change of pH, temperature, osmolarity, etc.) are proposed to improve the shelf life of these microorganisms.

On top of this, there would be another layer of nutrient agar which stands a role as the culture medium using formulation similar to classic Murashige and Skoog medium (MS medium). This culture medium is mainly for supporting seed germination and plant growth at an early stage. Its semi-permeability allows both layers of gel to manage to transfer the nutrients as well as a water molecule. Eventually, this simulates the classic growth environment when the crop is planted using soil. In addition, the formulation of the culture medium could be tailored to meet the plant growth needs. Having assistance from the Known Media Database (KOMODO), this works the same as for the PGPR-encapsulated gel formulation. As a side note, nitrogen-fixing and iron (III)-reducing bacteria would be considered when forming the PGPR-encapsulated gel as the coupling reaction between these two types of bacteria allow the formation of a water molecule.

Medium Storage

In term of the storage, a layer of paraffin oil (mineral oil) could be applied on the slope of the culture and sealed the plate with parafilm before storing into a vacuum sealer bag (referred to a product namely Anaero Pouch Bag). As referring to the article about the planting of dwarf tomatoes by NASA researchers, the culture medium as well as PGPR-encapsulated gel proposed are formed in the dimension of 20cm times 20cm with a depth of 3cm. The nutrient concentration of both layers of gel is proposed to manage to sustain for 2 weeks to one month before replenishing them. Referring to the product by Plant Cell Technology, the Plant Preservative Medium (PPM) would be added into the growth medium to avoid harmful pathogens from attacking the crops or any other form of microbial contamination. In terms of disposal, it could be inserted into the sealer pouch bag which is used to store the growth medium, or PGPR-encapsulated gel initially. Spraying of ethanol or mixing with bleach is optional since the pouch bag would be in a vacuum state to avoid contamination.

Plant Selection

Considering the growth environment may be harsher for most species of crops compared to Earth, the crops proposed in this project (Table 1.0) are chosen based on the size of the crops, nutrition content, and the growing requirement.

Aside from eating raw is safe, all the crops could be harvested within 3 months, particularly the microgreens which is already edible around 2-week time. There is also flexibility in which the astronaut could choose to eat the crops leaf-by-leaf, a bunch, or whole plant at once due to the convenience of the “cut and come again” harvesting method. Averagely speaking, the crop would regrow new leaves in a matter of days to weeks depends on the quantity of harvesting each time but typically, 1/3 of the crop (per type) is the optimum quantity to be harvested for 2-4 generations while fulfilling the daily nutrition requirement if it is meant to be regrown.

Consumption Simulation

The simulation of daily consumption using Microsoft Excel have been conducted, and the result is shown below:

Broad Spectrum LED System

We propose a broad-spectrum LED System to compensate the lack of consistent solar source to ensure the growth of crops.

Broad Spectrum VS Narrow Spectrum

Broad spectrum LED have a lower efficacy than red/blue LED due to conversion, energy, and optical losses within the phosphor conversion process. However, since in space where the LED are the sole source of light, broad spectrum LED are better as they emit a wide range of wavelengths for your crop throughout the different growth stages.

In addition, broad spectrum light is not only more pleasing to the eye, but also makes it easier to work and assess plant health under long duration to properly identify problems such as nutritional deficiency and diseases.

Broad Spectrum LED Efficiency

According to several studies, the broad-spectrum LED system represents a strong competitor to the conventionally used high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) and fluorescent lights (FL) lighting systems in greenhouses under naturally insufficient light conditions while consuming less energy (energy saving), releasing less heat (lower cooling requirements) and has a longer life span.

Broad Spectrum LED Strip

We propose that the system will utilize broad spectrum LED strip in a form factor of SMD 3528 (cost effective) with Color Rendering Index (CRI) > 90 and Color Temperature (CCT) between 4000K and 6500K to mimic natural light as much as possible.

LED strips can be easily stored in the form of tape (space efficiency) and the length can be customized (ease of installation) according to the modular system during setup.

Light Sensor

The light sensor implemented in the system will monitor the value of LED and display it on the controller to ensure the LED is working as intended and replacement might be needed if abnormal value is observed.

Integrated Controller

We propose an integrated controller that has the following functions:

• Multiple adapters for LED connection
• Switching on/off automatically based on preset timer (e.g., 8H, 16H, 24H)
• A simple LED display to display relevant data from light sensor

Hydro-gel/Nutrient Container

We looked at several consumer products in the market and decided to propose a fold-able and reusable polypropylene container to allow flat packing for space efficiency and re-usability to reduce single use waste.

Durability

Based on the consumer products we researched on, the container will have several unique properties making it highly suitable for folding and re-folding without breakage.

Instruction

Fold the creases several times in both directions before assembling for the first time. This will soften the plastic hinges making the products easier to fold. The plastic will develop "memory" over time, making subsequent assembly even easier.

​Temperature

The material is heat resistant to 110 degrees Celsius. So, it is safe to clean it with boiling water should there is a need.

Modular System

A modular approach that allows the upscale or downscale of crop production according to the need of astronauts while maximizing space usage.

Instruction

The most basic unit of the system consist of two platforms connected with four pillars at the corners. These platforms come attached with a Velcro area to allow the attachment of container at the lower part and LED strips at the upper part to form a unit that capable to plant 6 plants at a time. These units can be connected and expand to meet the needs of astronauts during space travel mission.

Our Modular System consists of four main components that work together that possess a LEGO-like feature which are highly flexible in transforming to any configuration that suits in most of the situation. As mentioned above, two platforms with four pillars are used, the platform consist of 12 holes distributed along all four edges of the platform. Four of the holes are allowing pillars to go through it and allowing vertical connection, while the remaining 8 holes are design to allow horizontal connections, 2 holes each side.

Pillars

Pillars in our system are inter-connectable, they can extend their length by adding an extra pillar on top of the existing ones. The pillars are design such that top and bottom having an extruded die thread and tap hole for the ability to extend themselves for higher platforms height giving extra room for plants that require higher height. That's the ability to adjust the platforms height according to type of plants used.

The pillars are locked by a lock pin from the top and bottom platforms to prevent it slipping out of the platform. The lock pins was also designed in a similar way as pillars with an extruded die thread and tap hole.

Figure of Pillar

Figure of Lock Pin

Cross Section View of Bottom Locked Pillar

Cross Section View of Top Locked Pillar

Flexible Connections

Our design allow connections in all six direction of a unit for higher adaptability to irregular shape's space to eliminate any waste of space that is available for use. The horizontal connections are using "connection pin" as shown in figure below. Again, lock pins are used to lock the connection pin to two connecting units. We are reusing lock pin that are used in pillar to reduce the variety of item that could increase stowable difficulties.

Figure of Connection Pin

Figure of Connection Pin and Lock Pins

Figure of connection between two units (Top View)

Figure of connection between two units (Bottom View)

Internal Modularity

Other than Modularity between units for the best usage of space. Modularity also possesses within a unit itself, the use of Velcro allow plant to be remove or replant individually. Thus, contribute to flexibility of plant scheduling. On top of that, the top platform which hold the LED strip and light sensor could also add or remove or change position according to the needs. 

Dimensions and Material

Platforms - 500mm*700mm*10mm (High Density Poly Ethylene, HDPE)

Pillar - D19.5mm*362mm (HDPE)

Container - 202mm*202mm*35mm (Polypropylene,PP)

Locker Pin - D25mm*28mm (HDPE)

Connection Pin - 65mm*16mm (HDPE)

Figures below are the examples of different height configurations.

Figure of Low Height configuration (one pillar)

Figure of High Height Configuration (Three Pillars)

Examples of Flexible Connection (Medium Height Configuration)

L-Shape

2x2 Connection with extra one layer on top

Two layers of 1x2 connection

Cable Management

Since the units will be combine together to form lots of variety of shape, we also design a simple tool that could help in managing cables from LED and Light Sensors. We implement a simple clip that could clip on any of the pillar on one end, and the other end is capable to trap and merge all the cable towards one direction.

Figure of Cable Management Clip

Figure of Cable Management Clip on a Pillar

The following software have been used to develop this project:

1. SOLIDWORKS 2018
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
3. Adobe Illustrator CS6
4. Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
5. Voice Generator (Text-To-Speech Synthesis)
6. Logo Generator
7. Microsoft Excel
8. Microsoft Word

1. The Veggie Production System (Veggie) inspires about the structure of the system should be proposed in which the system could expand the crop quantity through expanding the height while at the same time it could be unfolded and keep away when not in use. The system introduced the overall process of growing crops in the space environment. The material used to attach the system to the ground is also being used as one of the proposed materials.

2. The article on “Growing plant in space” gives an overall image of the availability of resources in the current space station as well as the importance of choosing the right plant type with essential nutrients. The importance of LED light with a broad light spectrum to take care of plant needs during their growth is noticed and being used as one of the proposed materials.

3. The operation procedures are managed to be noted when read through the article on “Vegetable production system” on the NASA website. As knowing the light spectrum has to be adjustable, the sensors and corresponding features are being included as part of the proposed project. An effort is also taken to minimize manual operation by the astronauts to ease the monitoring process.

4. In the NASA image and video library, the concept of the plant pillow and water injecting process is take noted. A few ideas were proposed based on the current resources like the change of base for the crop growth and exclude the watering needs by utilizing nature mechanism by microorganisms.

5. The article about “Advanced Plant Habitat” has given the concept of the operating procedures of the system. Nevertheless, it inspires us to propose another system that has higher flexibility and acquires lesser space without the absence of consistent monitoring features or plant growth needs.

6." Kennedy Space center fact sheets" contain all the updated information needed for us to propose the project including the space availability, resources, and technology availability.

7. In the article about “Plant Habitat-04”, we have noticed the importance of choosing the right species of a crop by judging the harvesting time, plant height, nutrient needs, and nutrition content. By referring to that, the plant proposed in this project is also able to be harvested fast, eat raw while surviving a stressed environment. These features are furthered strengthen by utilizing genetic engineering technology.

Since it’s the first time get to know and participate in this challenge, it is a challenging yet interesting experience for the team members.

The importance of time management is significantly felt by the members. Gratitude is expressed to the organizers and everyone from NASA and sponsors to have this challenge held despite the difficulties faced during the pandemic. It indirectly improves efficiency in completing daily tasks while doing research for the topic chosen. Open-mindedness and team spirit are quite important when comes to group discussion or meetings. Realizing assign task to the right person is also crucial, team members are actively taking up tasks which is roughly in their specialized field during the challenge period too. Particularly, the latest academic information about crops production as well as microbiology was definitely one of the great pieces of knowledge that have been learned through this journey.

Although it might not be the most suitable topic based on team members’ specialized area, undoubtedly speaking, this topic is sufficiently interesting for the team members to agree to approach. In fact, the topic of producing edible and nutritious crops in an environment other than Earth has been popular among researchers from different specialized areas. Thus, ideas of compiling the research outcomes are managed to brainstorm and propose as a current project. The team is hoping for these ideas able to inspire greater ideas from the professional astronauts to accomplish this mission perfectly: Have seeds will travel! The team is strongly believing the combination between biotechnology and engineering would have a unique synergistic outcome.

After reading the concept and resources about this topic, team members with the desired specialization were able to be found and agreed to work together. All team members are actively searching for resources based on the currently available settings as seen in Veggie or APH. By combining real-life examples/products with creative thoughts, the current proposal is made. Articles and resources from the NASA website are of utmost importance to support the validity and practicality.

Once again, open-mindedness and team spirit are very crucial during the group discussion. Although there will be time that one’s opinion/concern is confusing, each team member is opened for suggestion as well as voicing out their own opinions in which this leads to positive outcomes and clear objectives to proceed after each meeting. Team members from different specialized areas may not be able to fully understand the other member’s work, so effective communication at this point has gone through to allow every member has a common agreement. There was totally zero misunderstanding when comes to assigning tasks as the members will clear their doubts in the first place. In a nutshell, it is highly appreciated that the team members manage to work with each other very well. Gratitude is expressed to fellow members, organizers, and sponsors for the resources and opportunity to enhance our creative and critical thinking skills.

1. KOMODO (Known Media Database): http://komodo.modelseed.org
2. Daily Nutrition Requirement (minerals&vitamins): https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/listing_of_vitamins
3. Plant Pillow Preparation for the Veggie Plant Growth System on the International Space Station: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343129660_Plant_Pillow_Preparation_for_the_Veggie_Plant_Growth_System_on_the_International_Space_Station
4. How to Keep Seeds in Long Term: https://www.epicgardening.com/storing-seeds/
5. ‘Cut&Come Again’ Harvesting method example: https://homesteadandchill.com/how-to-harvest-kale-leafy-greens/ (main eg Kale), https://seedsheets.com/blogs/howto/how-to-harvest-spinach (spinach), https://bonnieplants.com/how-to-grow/growing-turnip-greens/ (turnips)
6. Requirement and Preparation of Growth Media:https://www.plantcelltechnology.com/blog/for-beginners-requirement-and-preparation-of-growth-media/ (also contain plant cell technology product_PPM)
7. Plant-only based media: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877342/
8. culture medium selection/formulation according to plant need: https://www.plantcelltechnology.com/pct-blog/tissue-culture-medium-types-and-5-steps-of-selection/ (tissue culture medium types and steps to select)
9. Formulation of Microbial Inoculants by Encapsulation in Natural Polysaccharides): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2020.00270/full
10. storage of culture medium: https://www.mgc.co.jp/eng/products/sc/anaeropack/culture-media.html (Anaero pouch bag), https://www.biologydiscussion.com/microorganisms/culture-microorganisms/maintenance-and-preservation-of-pure-cultures-4-methods/55037 (paraffin method),
11. Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria encapsulation: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7161443_Encapsulation_of_plant_growth-promoting_bacteria_in_alginate_beads_enriched_with_humic_acid, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326063881_The_Effect_of_Plant_Growth_Promoting_Rhizobacteria_PGPR_on_Germination_and_Seedling_Growth_of_Sorghum_bicolor_L_Moench (gel+carrier)
12. Microbe in hydrogel form, its efficiency when diffuse back to culture medium: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-14371-4, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4631609/
13. Formation of mesh-like hydrogel: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00914037.2015.1129964?journalCode=gpom20
14. Superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) material: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2090123221000540
15. Coupling between nitrogen-fixing and iron(III)-reducing bacteria (H2->H20): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720305660
16. Beneficial soil microbes review article: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01473/full
17. methane-eating generate Oxygen bacteria_Methylomirabilis oxyfera: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01672/full
18. Plant transformation (transgenic crop): lettuce: https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajb/article/view/118803/108287, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0717345817300611, blueberry: https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/9/11/1624/pdf 
19. Strengthen resistance of microbe towards radiation: https://sfamjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.04971.x
20. Deinococcus radiodurans: its gene as the target to genetically modify rhizobacteria to improve protection for plant: https://amb-express.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13568-019-0862-x#Sec3
21. Full Spectrum Vs. Red/Blue Spectrum LEDs: Full Spectrum Vs. Red/Blue Spectrum LEDs | P.L. Light Systems (pllight.com)
22. Increased Plant Quantity, Greenhouse Productiviy and Energy Efficiency with Broad-Spectrum LED Systems: A Case Study for Thyme : Plants | Free Full-Text | Increased Plant Quality, Greenhouse Productivity and Energy Efficiency with Broad-Spectrum LED Systems: A Case Study for Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) | HTML (mdpi.com)
23. BarLight™: BarLight™ • (lumigrow.com)
24. Snapfold™ Solo Pack: Snapfold™ Solo Pack | fozzils
25. Fozzils FAQ: Fozzils | FAQ
26. Full Spectrum: https://www.waveformlighting.com/full-spectrum-led-lighting

#groot #legoplant #bioformulation #microbial encapsulation #hydrogel #modular #haveseedswilltravel #NASA #hackathon

This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.