WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – NASA announced that researchers have successfully produced cellulose from bacteria grown on the International Space Station.

The bacterium used in the experiment, K. hansenii, is known to produce the largest amount of cellulose. This bacterium could be a candidate for large-scale production in microgravity to support the development of materials used in construction, clothing and energy supply.

Ice Cube Experiment The ice cubes, a temperature-controlled module typically used for protein crystallization, were used to incubate the target bacteria.

Researchers developed a custom-made method that involved adjusting gas and air in different culture vessels at low temperatures.

According to the US space agency, future studies could help promote large-scale production of bacterial cellulose to support deep space exploration.

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