Developing an alternative medium for in-space biomanufacturing

Hakyung Lee, Jinjin Diao (), Yuxin Tian, Richa Guleria, Eunseo Lee, Alexandra Smith, Millie Savage, Daniel Yeh, Luke Roberson, Mark Blenner, Yinjie J. Tang () and Tae Seok Moon ()
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Hakyung Lee: Washington University in St. Louis
Jinjin Diao: Washington University in St. Louis
Yuxin Tian: Washington University in St. Louis
Richa Guleria: University of Delaware
Eunseo Lee: Washington University in St. Louis
Alexandra Smith: University of South Florida
Millie Savage: Lincoln University of Missouri
Daniel Yeh: University of South Florida
Luke Roberson: John F. Kennedy Space Center
Mark Blenner: University of Delaware
Yinjie J. Tang: Washington University in St. Louis
Tae Seok Moon: Washington University in St. Louis

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: Abstract In-space biomanufacturing provides a sustainable solution to facilitate long-term, self-sufficient human habitation in extraterrestrial environments. However, its dependence on Earth-supplied feedstocks renders in-space biomanufacturing economically nonviable. Here, we develop a process termed alternative feedstock-driven in-situ biomanufacturing (AF-ISM) to alleviate dependence on Earth-based resupply of feedstocks. Specifically, we investigate three alternative feedstocks (AF)—Martian and Lunar regolith, post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate, and fecal waste—to develop an alternative medium for lycopene production using Rhodococcus jostii PET strain S6 (RPET S6). Our results show that RPET S6 could directly utilize regolith simulant particles as mineral replacements, while the addition of anaerobically pretreated fecal waste synergistically supported its cell growth. Additionally, lycopene production using AF under microgravity conditions achieved levels comparable to those on Earth. Furthermore, an economic analysis shows significant lycopene production cost reductions using AF-ISM versus conventional methods. Overall, this work highlights the viability of AF-ISM for in-space biomanufacturing.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56088-2

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