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WELCOME TO MARS

Mars is a prime candidate for space exploration and long-term colonization.

Mars surface
Mars regolith

However, its regolith is full of perchlorates — a toxic compound that prevents plant growth and endangers human health.

Wavy background

Introducing…

Rotating Mars planet

Planetary Removal of Soil Perchlorates and Enrichment Remediation!

Our team expressed pcrABCD and accessory proteins in the periplasm to reduce perchlorates in E. coli with lipoprotein knockouts.

Co-culture concept

We developed a co-culture system with E. coli and Synechococcus PCC 7002 that creates a closed loop, recycling perchlorate byproduct into organic carbon.

To provide a feasible, user-friendly, and energy-efficient deployment platform for this co-culture system, we developed a fully modular and highly adaptable bioreactor family — ARC.

Modular bioreactor concept
Soil flow-through and treatment

We first used a soil flow-through system to wash out perchlorate with water. Then, we utilized ARC to immobilize bacteria into biofilm and complete degradation in the treatment chamber.

Stakeholder interviews

To learn more about methodologies, perchlorates, and the ethics behind space travel, we interviewed researchers, doctors, and policy experts.

Educational outreach

We hosted educational events for children, adults, and elders to spread awareness about space travel and its ethics.

PRoSPER’s growth can be driven by future space exploration and the increasing focus on legacy perchlorate contamination on Earth.

Mission to Mars...