Cow-in-a-Column – A Synthetic Food Replicator (Cow in a Column: CIAC)
Project Introduction
The project tested the concept for combining waste degradation and food production in a single reactor or column, i.e., a "Cow-in-a-Column". The inputs could include space mission solid wastes, such as inedible plant biomass (largely cellulose), while the processor consisted of serial columns of immobilized microbes to first degrade the wastes and then produce high value products, such as milk fat and/or protein. The concept also could be applied to produce biofuels such as methane, biodiesel, or solvents. The project demonstrated the feasibility of the concept but requires further testing to optimize the performance.
Inputs to the processor could include space mission solid wastes, such as biodegradable packaging, but focused largely on cellulose from inedible plant materials. This celluose could be the ineidible portion of biomass from plants that might be used for future life support systems (e.g., inedible leaves, stems and roots). The processor itself consisted of two reactors or compartments: The first compartment contained cellulose degrading fungi to produce simple sugars, such as glucose. The second compartment contained yeast that used the glucose to produce milk fat. The overall intent was to combine the two processes in one single reactor column, hence the name "Cow-in-a-Column".
The process could also be adapted to generate high value protein, such as milk casein, or even biofuels such as methane, biodiesel, or solvents. The project involved selecting and testing various microorganisms for their ability to convert the different wastes into the target products. This also required accurate chemical assays of the end products to verify the column performance. The concepts were demonstrated by the end of the 1-year project but further testing is needed to demonstrate sustained operation and / or to expand the process to produce other products. Future testing could involve the use of genetically engineered microbes to improve the overall efficiency of converting solid wastes into edible products.
More »Anticipated Benefits
Benefits and return on investment for NASA include tangible benefits by developing and implementing this technology: increase food production and decrease waste disposal. This technology is evolutionary and safer; it could also provide lower life cycle cost and lower environmental impacts.
The concept of synthetic food replicator could benefit future NASA transit missions to near-Earth objects or Mars. This could also provide supplemental food or high value products for long-duration surface missions.
The outcome of this project could benefit commerical providers of future space craft that require human life support systems. Additionally, this could greatly reduce solid waste storage and disposal requirements.
This project may benefit related research efforts in the Departement of Energy, the US Departement of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Other benefits include more efficiently produce high value ‘animal’ products from waste crop residues without animals and their stinking waste; and large potential in developing areas where protein is scarce and animal production economically unfeasible.
More »Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Kennedy Space Center
(KSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Kennedy Space Center, FL |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| QinetiQ North America/ESC | Supporting Organization | Industry |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Florida
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Kennedy Space Center (KSC)
Responsible Program:
- Center Innovation Fund: KSC CIF
Project Management
Project Duration
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 3 |