Space Seed Holdings is “SPACE
FOODSPHERE” program to promote the development of fermentation technology, medical technology, and aquaculture technology in space and on Earth.
*View in browser* *Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd.*
Press release: May 2, 2024
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Space Seed Holdings is “SPACE
FOODSPHERE” program to promote the development of fermentation technology, medical technology, and aquaculture technology in space and on Earth.
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Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, Representative: Kengo Suzuki, hereinafter Space Seed Holdings) will become a general incorporated association SPACE in April 2024. “SPACE” conducted by FOODSPHERE (hereinafter referred to as Space Food Sphere)*1 We are pleased to announce that we will be participating in the “FOODSPHERE” program and promoting research and development and business development related to “a completely resource-recycling and ultra-efficient food supply system” in space and on Earth. * * *1 General incorporated association SPACE FOODSPHERE website * * https://spacefoodsphere.jp/*
Space Food Sphere has a wide variety of professionals active in various fields such as food production, resource recycling,
automation/remoteization, ecosystems, food processing, cooking, space, polar life, business, marketing, finance, and human resource development. By coming together, industry, academia, and government collaboration is being promoted for more specific research and development, demonstration, and social implementation.
*About Space Seed Holdings’ role in the “SPACE FOODSPHERE” program* Space Seed Holdings invests in startups that have the potential to lead to space exploration, and plans to conduct joint research with universities and other research institutions. “SPACE
The “FOODSPHERE” program envisions research and development themes that will lead to solving problems in space and on land in three areas: space x fermentation, space x medicine, and space x
aquaculture.
Space x fermentation research
Fermentation has been used around the world since ancient times as a method to increase the nutritional value of food and improve its preservation using limited resources. If these fermentation processes can be designed effectively, taking into account the unique
constraints of the space environment (microgravity, high radiation levels, confined space, etc.), it will improve material circulation in space and improve the diversity and quality of space food. It is expected that this will improve dramatically. Ultimately, it is believed that the results of this development will help improve the quality of life of people living in space by maintaining their health, and support long-term space missions.
As part of our research and development, we plan to conduct basic experiments to evaluate the growth status and fermentation efficiency of fermentation bacteria under special environments. Specifically, we envision investigating changes in fermentation patterns under different culture conditions (pressure, temperature, radiation level, and culture medium components). Furthermore, we plan to develop management technology for fermenting organisms in a closed environment and conduct research aimed at effectively utilizing fermentation byproducts.
For example, we are developing a system that uses carbon dioxide generated during the fermentation process for plant growth, and building a complete resource circulation system in space, such as supporting the health of astronauts using physiologically active substances obtained from fermented foods. It is assumed. If useful results are obtained from this research, they can be applied not only in space but also to support life in closed environments on Earth, and can also be used to build sustainable living systems and services on Earth. I plan to do so.
Rice malt is a candidate for harsh environments
large scale fermentation tank
Space x medicine
In medical research, exosomes have received particular attention as vesicles that play an important role in intercellular communication. The surface of exosomes contains lipids and proteins derived from cell membranes, and the interior contains nucleic acids (microRNA, messenger RNA, DNA, etc.) and proteins, and their roles are currently being elucidated.
In particular, space is recognized as a harsh environment for living organisms, with strong radiation and low gravity inducing muscle atrophy, but it is important to understand the behavior and functions of exosomes in such a harsh environment. , is considered very important for presenting solutions from a medical point of view. In particular, by studying the effects of exosomes on the aging process, it is hoped that new knowledge will be obtained to prevent
aging-related changes that are thought to be accelerated in space.
As a specific research approach, we will perform omics-related analyzes on cultured cells and human clinical trials under different environments, and conduct detailed analyzes of exosomes to understand how each environment is involved in exosome production. We aim to clarify whether exosomes exist and how they function in living organisms. As this research progresses, we believe that we will gain knowledge about how to suppress aging using exosomes. Through this research and development, we plan to not only make new proposals in the field of space medicine, but also pursue the possibility of contributing to the evolution of medical technology used on Earth. Application image of microchannel in exosome research
Development of drinks with high exosome content
Space x aquaculture
Research on aquatic organisms in outer space has been carried out for some time, and little by little we have been elucidating their effects on living organisms. The results of this research are expected to lead to food self-sufficiency through the realization of breeding aquatic organisms on planetary bases and spacecraft. However, in order to realize this “space aquaculture” in the limited resources and environmental conditions of extraterrestrial space, higher spatial, temporal, and resource efficiency is required than on land. In order to solve these issues, it is expected to create organisms that are compatible with these conditions through breeding and develop breeding infrastructure that will allow organisms to be raised even under conditions unique to outer space.
For example, if we apply selective breeding methods that cross parent individuals with useful traits and breed the offspring, or genome editing technology that allows us to artificially create individuals that can be born through mutation, we can develop highly
stress-resistant, It is thought that it is possible to create a “space variety” that has excellent ability to digest and absorb food and grows quickly. Alternatively, by applying fluid control technology under low gravity, it may be possible to develop breeding equipment that can achieve low cost and high density, which is not possible with conventional technology. By developing aquaculture species and aquaculture techniques that are suitable for use in outer space, we will not only contribute to securing a sustainable food source in outer space, but also contribute to the development of aquaculture species and aquaculture techniques that are suitable for use in outer space. We also envision contributing to the development and
establishment of food production technology in other countries. Breeding sea urchins that grow in harsh environments
Image of demonstration test of land-based aquaculture
About Space Seed Holdings
Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd.’s mission is to “turn science fiction into non-fiction,” and we are working to solve social issues through exploring new technology themes, investing in startups, and conducting joint research with universities. Ultimately, we aim to work with various stakeholders to develop the necessary technology to live in outer space. Going forward, we will utilize our in-house academic knowledge and networks to continue engaging in science-centered dialogue with society based on “science” and “narrative,” while proactively developing new services to address social issues. We plan to provide products.
Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd. website https://ss-hd.co.jp/
Space Seed Holdings Co., Ltd. YouTube channel (English)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkQBD0NBGxok8p0dM41DfQg
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