ILEWG EuroMoonMars

Synopsis: Exp. A: Biomedical assessment, obtaining saliva samples from the suit tester; Exp. B: Sterile collection of soil/ice samples for PCR and phylogenetic analysis
Institution (PI): Exp. A: Rai Balwant , Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & JBR; Exp. B: Luisa Rodrigues, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam & Aveiro Univ.
Responsible on-site: Exp. A: Rai Balwant; Exp. B: Luisa Rodrigues

Description

Experiment A / Biomedical assessment
Background: Human performance is affected by physiological and psychological factors which can critically affect mission outcome in both spaceflight and other extreme environments.
Materials and Methods:
Saliva experiments: Saliva samples will be taken with specialized saliva collection device from
each crew members before and after tasks. Saliva will be preserved for further analysis.
Vital signs. : Heart rate, heart rate variability, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiration rate, Vo2 max will be measured before and after tasks.
Effect of greenish blue light: Saliva samples and vital signs will be taken before and after 5 minutes exposure of light.
List of instruments:

• Gloves
• Vital sign. measuring sensors
• Greenish blue light
• Salivary samples collection device and storing tubes.
• Standardized (medical analysis) software

Experiment B / Sterile Soil Sampling
DNA extracted from ice will be analysed using PCR amplification of both Bacterial, Archaeal 16S- rRNA genes, as well Eukarya (Fungi in particular) 18S-rRNA genes, using specific primers.
METHODS
The study comprises:

1. ice sampling (about 10 cm depth) of various age (if possible) and chemical composition, in
   sterile conditions
2. DNA extraction from liquid water melted from ice,
3. PCR amplification of 16S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA genes and gene library construction,
4. eventually, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of genes of some samples.

During ice sampling it will be taking in consideration the potential microbiological contamination assessment. Below is presented the sampling procedure that will be tested on ice cave.

Experiment Data