Abstract
AbstractBiochemical responses (biomarkers) in marine organisms provide us with effects related sensitive signals of potential damages in the marine ecosystem due to environmental stress. These sensing systems provide answers to develop control strategies and precautionary measures. Mussels and their hemocytes play a key role concerning environmental signals remotely released by “in situ” marine effects monitoring. Hemocytes are the primary defence of the mussel Mytilus edulis against invading microorganisms and foreign particles. The choice of the phagocytes from invertebrates (i.e., crustacean and mussels) is justified by the claim to study the universal validity of innate immune responses. The hemocytes of mussels as part of an innate immune system have not been studied so far under microgravity. The hemocytes of mussels have a lot in common with macrophages of higher organisms. They are able to detect the presence of microorganisms and kill these microorganisms by phagocytosis.The phagocytosis related production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) will be stimulated in this study by zymosan. For the assessment of immunotoxicity by phagocytosis activity recently a biosensing system was developed within a project (TRIPLELUX-B) under microgravity in orbit at the International Space Station (ISS). A whole-cell biosensor and mini-robot system equipped with the phagocytotic cells and finally their immunological responses were studied under microgravity and space radiation on board of the ISS. Because of quality control and guarantee of a stable viability of the biological components the hemocytes were sent after gentle cryo-conservation to space. The frozen hemocytes were reconstituted in-flight at the ISS. The cryo-conservation and the following reconstitution of the hemocytes are the key processes to develop the whole-cell sensor. The signals of the immune-cellular responses were translated into luminescence as a rapid optical reporter (transducer) system using peroxidase and luminol. The flight hardware of the computational directed sensing system was developed in collaboration with ASTRIUM (Airbus Defence and Space). The components of the fully automated AEC (Advanced Experimental Containment) will be demonstrated. The aim of the study (TRIPLELUX-B) funded by ESA and DLR was to investigate the effects of microgravity on the ability of isolated hemocytes to perform phagocytosis under space flight conditions. As a secondary objective, the results expected will allow to conclude whether the observed responses are caused by microgravity and/or radiation.The bioanalytical system contributes to risk assessment concerning immunotoxicity under space flight condition and on ground. The bioanalytical system will allow a real-time operational effects monitoring in coastal waters.The robot system was already applied in a different format like a tool for risk assessment concerning immunotoxicity under space flight conditions for the astronauts. A phagocytosis sensor can be used as an “ample-system” for the detection of toxic algae blooms in marine mussel beds or offshore aquaculture. The bioreactor concept was later followed by an advanced compact and robust in situ handhold biosensor system for applications in extreme environments.Graphical Abstract Highlights “in situ” immunological whole-cell biosensing for marine effects monitoring defensive phagocytic mussel blood cells (hemocytes) cryo-conservation of hemocytes, applications under microgravity on earth and in orbit advanced experimental containments, bioreactor, and whole-cell biosensor KeywordsBiosensorCryo-conservationMicrogravity Mytilus edulis Phagocytosis
Published Version
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