Viability of fungal cells in Space
The work is a continuation of ESA/EU projects aiming to quantify the survival probability of fungal spores in Space near the Sun under Solar irradiation in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) (110-180 nm) spectral region. The contribution and impact of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) (110-180 nm) photons, Space vacuum and temperature on the survival probability of Aspergillus terreus and Cladosporium are measured at simulated Space conditions on Earth. Using nanoindentation, AFM imaging, mass, ATR-FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, it is found that the high survival probability of fungal spores in Space is via the exudation of intracellular bio-substances on the cell’s membrane, preventing dehydration and further shielding the cell from Sun’s VUV radiation, allowing for an extrapolated survival probability of 60% in a space trip between the Mars and the Earth. Hidden complexity viability parameters and memory functionalities are revealed by applying control theory.
2D-AFM image of one Aspergillus terreus spore.
Activation of cell wall stress-proteins via VUV photodissociation
of cell wall molecules.
Key publications
Interplanetary survival probability of Aspergillus terreus spores under simulated solar vacuum ultraviolet irradiation.
E. Sarantopoulou, I. Gomoiu, Z. Kollia and A.C. Cefalas,
Planet. Space Sci. 59, 63 (2011).
DOI: 10.1016/j.pss.2010.11.002
Preventing biological activity of Ulocladium sp spores in artifacts using 157nm laser.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and I. Gomoiu,
Appl. Phys. A 83, 663 (2006).
DOI: 10.1007/s00339-006-3554-8
Removing Foxing stains from old paper at 157 nm.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Samardzija, S. Kobe, Z. Kollia and A. C. Cefalas.
Appl. Surf. Sci. 208-209, 311 (2003).
DOI: 10.1016/S0169-4332(02)01379-X
Efficient removal of foxing from a medieval Ptolemaic map using a molecular fluorine laser at 157nm.
A. C. Cefalas, E. Sarantopoulou and Z. Kollia.
Appl. Phys. A, 73, 571 (2001).
DOI: 10.1007/s003390100892
Lasers and Biodeterioration.
I. Gomoiu, R. Radvan, E. Sarantopoulou and A. C. Cefalas,
M. Schreiner, M. Strlic (eds.)
Handbook on the Use of Lasers in Conservation and Conservation Science, COST G7 (2006).
Restoration of historic paper using vacuum ultraviolet lasers.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and A. C. Cefalas.
Proceedings of the international conference on “Lasers 2001”, 3-7 December 2001, Tucson Arizona, USA. pp. 288-293 (2002).
Conference presentations
Photonic stimulation of cell wall integrity signaling pathway in Ulocladium chartarum at the nanoscale,
E. Sarantopoulou*, Z. Kollia, V. Gavriil, and A. C. Cefalas,
III International Symposium on Nanoparticles/Nanomaterials and Applications, ISN2A 2018,
Caparica, Portugal, 22-25 January 2018 (Poster).
High power 157 nm laser irradiation of Cladosporium herbarum spores activates cell wall integrity signalling pathways,
V. Gavriil, E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and A. C. Cefalas*,
XXII International Symposium on High Power Laser Systems and Applications, Frascati, Italy, 9-12 October 2017 (Invited).
Preparing Ulocladium cultures for studies in microgravity conditions.
I. Gomoiu, E. Sarantopoulou and Z. Kollia,
ELGRA-AIMAS Symposium, “Plant Biology 2” session, Florence, Italy, 4-7 September (2007).
VUV laser cleaning of fungus and Lichens from Hellenic archeological stones.
E. Sarantopoulou , Z. Kollia, A. C. Cefalas and I. Gomoiu,
EMRS 2007, Strasburg France, May 28 – June 1, (2007).
Atomic resolution etching of external proteinacious protective membrane of
Ulocladium and Aspergillus 1-4 spores in vivo.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia, I. Gomoiu,
3rd Workshop on Nanoscience & Nanotechnologies N&N 06,
Thessaloniki Greece,10-12 July (2006).
Preventing biological activity of Ulocladium sp spores in artifacts using 157-nm laser.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and I. Gomoiu,
EMRS 2005, 31st May-3rd June, Strasbourg France (2005).
Nanometric size control and treatment of historic paper manuscript and pronts with laser ligth at 157nm.
Z. Kollia, E. Sarantopoulou, A.C. Cefalas, S. Kobe and Z. Samardlija,
EMRS-2003 Strasbourg France, June 10-13, (2003).
Laser treatment of foxing at 157nm.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Samardzija, S. Kobe, M. Besenicar, Z. Kollia, P. Argitis and A.C. Cefalas,
EMRS 2002, Strasbourg France, 18-21 June (2002).
Restoration of Historic paper using Vacuum Ultraviolet Lasers.
E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and A. C. Cefalas,
Lasers 2001, Tucson Arizona USA, 3-7 December (2001)(Invited).
Lasers in Metrology and Art Conservation.Removing foxing stains from old paper at 157nm.
A. C. Cefalas,. E. Sarantopoulou, Z. Kollia and P. Argitis,
Munich Germany, 18-22 June (2001).
Efficient removing of foxing and sticky – tape marks from old manuscripts using a molecular fluorine laser at 157nm.
A. C. Cefalas, E. Sarantopoulou and Z. Kollia,
Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, LIBS 2000 Tirenia, Pisa Italy, October 8-12, (2000).