During times of war and need, humans have invented some of the most useful technology that we use today. Due to the hostile conditions and lack of resources, space exploration offers unique research opportunities. Very often the technologies developed for space exploration are subsequently used on Earth: think of solar cells, baby formula, LEDs, fire detection, or memory foams among many others. We believe that by investing our time and energy in space exploration technologies, we will also help solve problems on Earth. Perhaps this modified bacterium can be more common in places rich in natural resources, yet poor in livelihoods. This technology can aid and promote agroforestry. Or simply create more trust in genetically engineered products and technologies.
Our project of bacterial cellulose (BC) can impact society by creating research opportunities, and increasing trust in genetically engineered technologies and sustainability. High-scale production of BC is still an ongoing challenge due to the cost of growth medium. Essentially BC production can be produced by using food, farm, and industrial waste [1, 2]. Fruits are natural sources of nitrogen and sugar. Ripening fruits are rich in ethylene, the plant hormone which has been documented to enhance BC production. By using organic and industrial waste, people all over the world could harvest and grow BC.
Countries can become global suppliers of BC. The cellulose can be further processed to produce various other products and raw materials in local circular economies. Essentially the production of BC would rely on remediation and recycling which would positively impact society and the environment. On the other hand, the production and refinement of BC can be established in several localized regions all over the world. This way, individuals and communities can make use of their waste and resources to produce the biomaterials that they need [1].
In emergencies, like war or floods, BC could be a complement in the nutrition for countries that have a shortage of arable land. Hospitals and patients with special needs could also benefit from BC, as a source of dietary fiber or as a material that can be used in surgery for drug delivery or other medical applications.
With this project, part of our goal is to educate the public on synthetic biology and gene engineering. The aim is to bring awareness that gene modification can benefit both consumers and the environment. This will be achieved using different tools for public outreach. One of them is using kombucha flasks with tags and flyers distributed to different locations in Norway to disseminate knowledge and gather information.
With regards to the feasibility of the use of our modified organism as a bio factory for a versatile biomaterial, using emails and planning meetings as tools, we would consult experts tackling the problems of space exploration with regards to waste management, mining, and manufacturing in space, people who have worked on the production of bacterial cellulose and experts who have worked in designing space shuttles. We would also consult the general public if they would desire a genetically modified organism to make use of their waste and produce biomaterials that the public themselves can benefit from. We plan to use the internationality of our team as a tool and contact groups and organizations that we know in our respective countries that can help us reach out to communities around the world and survey the desirability of our idea to them. As we get feedback from experts and communities, we can get information with which we can “close the loop”.
