Engineering Mars-Ready Lichen for a Greener Red Planet

Agoura Hills, California
Biology
$100
Pledged
1%
Funded
$24,000
Goal
35
Days Left
  • $100
    pledged
  • 1%
    funded
  • 35
    days left

Methods

Summary

Project will use cutting-edge techniques and protocols in synthetic biology, environmental simulation, and bioengineering to create resilient, Mars-ready lichen. The methods are designed to ensure reproducibility and scalability for future research.

1. Sample Acquisition and Selection: We will source extremophile lichen species from Earth’s harshest environments (e.g., Antarctic deserts, high-altitude regions) to identify candidates with natural resilience to cold, radiation, and desiccation.

2. Genetic Engineering: Using CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced bioinformatics, we will modify the lichen to enhance tolerance to Mars-like conditions. Key targets include:

   - Increased UV resistance through melanin production.

   - Improved CO₂ absorption and oxygen production via optimized photosynthesis pathways.

   - Enhanced desiccation and temperature resistance through gene inserts from other extremophiles.

3. Environmental Simulation: Engineered lichen will be tested in controlled environments that replicate Martian conditions, including:

   - Low-pressure chambers for atmospheric simulation.

   - UV radiation setups to mimic solar exposure.

   - Temperature-controlled growth chambers replicating Mars’ diurnal cycles.

4. Data Analysis and Optimization: Tools like spectrophotometry and gas exchange systems will quantify photosynthetic efficiency, CO₂ utilization, and oxygen output. Iterative testing will refine genetic modifications.

5. Documentation and Transparency: The entire process will be documented in detail, including protocols and results, to ensure the research can be reproduced by other teams.

Reproducibility Resources

- Protocols and data will be shared via open-access platforms.

- Research findings will include video demonstrations and detailed reports to guide future applications.

Protocols

This project has not yet shared any protocols.

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