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Microgravity Rewires Microbial Metabolism, Limiting Space-Based Manufacturing Efficiency

Scientists at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory completed the MELSP experiment on the ISS, showing that microgravity fundamentally rewires microbial metabolism and cuts melanin production efficiency. Engineered E. coli produced the same enzyme in space, but impaired substrate transport and heightened stress responses reduced pigment yields compared with ground controls. Proteomic and metabolomic data revealed elevated oxidative‑stress proteins and depleted glutathione, indicating a shift toward survival over biosynthesis. Parallel Rotating Wall Vessel tests on Earth reproduced the metabolic slowdown, underscoring the need for gravity‑aware bioreactor designs.