A role for the diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142, in nitrogen cycling for CELSS applications.
Simple calculations show that fixed nitrogen regeneration in a CELSS may not be as efficient as stowage and resupply of fixed nitrogen compounds.  However, fixed nitrogen regeneration may be important for the sustainability and safety of a deployed CELSS.  Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142, a unicellular, aerobic, diazotrophic cyanobacterium, with high growth rates and a robust metabolism, is a reasonable candidate organism for a biological, fixed nitrogen regeneration system.  In addition, Cyanothece sp. cultures may be used to balance gas exchange ratio imparities between plants and humans.  The regeneration of fixed nitrogen compounds by cyanobacterial cultures was examined in the context of a broad computer model/simulation (called CELSS-3D).  When cyanothece sp. cultures were used to balance gas exchange imparities, the biomass harvested could supply as much as half of the total fixed nitrogen needed for plant biomass production.
Schneegurt
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MA
NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training, Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Sherman
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LA
D018533:Biomass; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D003198:Computer Simulation; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D018504:Ecological Systems, Closed; D008021:Life Support Systems; D008954:Models, Biological; D009584:Nitrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D009586:Nitrogen Fixation / Q000502:physiology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D063245:Plant Development; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D009584:Nitrogen; D010100:Oxygen