Polyethersulfone (PES) Membrane on Agar Plates as a Plant Growth Platform for Spaceflight

Abstract Plant biology experiments in microgravity face many challenges, among which are the constraints of growth platforms available on International Space Station (ISS). Protocols for preservation and sample return to Earth often limit efficient dissection seedlings downstream tissue-specific analysis. The Advanced Experiment (APEx)-07 spaceflight experiment required a large quantity dissectible, well-preserved suitable omics During preflight tests, protocols were developed using an agar-polyethersulfone (PES) membrane platform seedling that allowed germination aboard ISS rapid freezing provide intact extraction high-quality DNA, RNA, protein. Each component setup was carefully examined: color, hydration substrate, capacity delayed germination, duration, harvest approach, pipelines all individually optimized. Sterilized Arabidopsis seeds adhered PES with guar gum. Membranes laid onto 0.8% agar containing 0.5x Murashige Skoog (MS) 10 cm square Petri dishes held at 4 °C until actuated by placing room temperature. Seedlings grown vertically 12 days. membranes removed from agar, placed dish lid, wrapped foil, frozen −80 °C. dissected into roots shoots provided system is simple, potentially adaptable multiple species, scalable cost effective, offers added versatility existing plant capabilities.