| A recent study by researchers at the University of Calgary found a new approach to solving two different problems. These two issues are often faced by astronauts’ long-term space exploration missions. Dr. Mayi Arcellana-Panlilio and colleagues developed A method of treating human waste in a hygienic way, which is also useful for providing equipment and supplies. Using special genetic engineering enzymes, feces can be converted into special bioplastic materials, which can then be used as 3D printing materials, where necessary Create new items. Finding ways to dispose of waste has long been a problem for space travel because of the narrow conditions and limited water supply. The logistics and high costs involved in space exploration projects also mean that absolute minimum supply can be taken because of the slight increase in weight. It may mean that a huge increase in fuel is necessary to advance the spacecraft into orbit. The Calgary researchers program can provide solutions to both problems. As we have previously reported, 3D printing technology is considered to reduce the required equipment. The number of solutions, problems with 3D printed materials can now be resolved on the spot.  Image: NASA As part of the study, the team consulted many aerospace professionals, including Canadian astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk and Colonel Chris Hadfield, Dr. Matthew Bamsey (Chief Systems Engineer, German Aerospace Center) and Dr. Pascal Lee (President, NASA Investigators at the Haughton-Mars Project at the Musash Research Center and Cofounders at the Mars Institute). Most of the spacecraft's toilets are similar to the aircraft's. The vacuum tube system transports the waste safely and cleanly into the tank. Researchers recommend additional Bacteria are introduced into the tank and their chemical behavior is specifically selected through genetic engineering. These bacteria will decompose feces into more substances, one of which will be recyclable as a 3D printing material. After being pumped into the tank, the first stage of fermentation of the waste naturally occurs. Natural intestinal bacteria can decompose the waste and thus secrete what is called volatile fatty acid (VFA). Then the VFA is extracted into another tank. Where interventions can be made to produce the final product.
The researchers used E. coli bacteria to identify the exact genes responsible for secreting the desired substance, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Then these genetically modified bacteria that had been fine-tuned to secrete large amounts of PHB were implanted into a second tank containing VFA. The VFA is secreted from the original man-made feces and naturally fermented. The VFA-rich stream is continuously fermented under anaerobic conditions. Continuous fermentation can be achieved by using a filter that can use unused bacteria. It is separated from the resulting PHB stream and recycled back to the tank for further fermentation of the VFA. As for the PHB-rich stream, it is further filtered to separate the water, which can then be recycled back at the beginning of the waste treatment system. WC. The remaining solid PHB is allowed to dry for a period of time, after which no further processing is required and can be used. Finally, the PHB can be used for selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers without additional processing, and this high-precision technology can be used to create Various equipment and consumables. Source: China 3D Printing Network |
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