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Title : Characterizing the anti-oxidant and anti-cholesterol properties of food supplements based on edible MELiSSA bacteria, and their impact on the gut microbiome. Keywords : microorganisms, cholesterol, radioprotective agents, ionizing radiation, gut flora. Abstract: Food intake and the human gut microbiome play an important role in oxidant- and cholesterol balance, and thus can likely play also an important role in the radiationinduced health effects, in space and on earth. Any natural food supplement that could help to maintain a healthy microbiome, and at the same time prevent or reduce both this radiation-induced oxidant and high cholesterol effects may be a major benefit for persons exposed to radiation or radioactive substances (such as cosmonauts, pilots and nuclear workers). Microbial products could bring added value to the field of space radiation protection. Therefore, the main objective of this work is to characterize various biomass preparations and extracts used within the MELiSSA life support systems for their anti-oxidant properties and potential cholesterol lowering effect via in vitro and in vivo tests and explore their potential use as radio protective agent (as such or in combination with each other) in the field of radiation biology. Photobioreactor cultivation techniques will be used since large amount of bacterial material is needed to perform the in vivo studies. Taking advantage of the existing knowledge about the genomes of these bacteria and the related genetic tools genetic variants with altered production of particular cellular components will be constructed to test several hypotheses regarding the active compounds. Relevant microbial cell fractions will be characterized using chromatography and protein mass spectrometry. The various strains will be prepared for in vitro activity tests and for in vivo studies via addition to the chow of experimental animals. After short-term treatment, metagenomic profiling of the intestinal microflora of fed animals as well as total plasma antioxidant and cholesterol levels, and morphology of relevant organs (heart, arteries, liver, etc.) of the test animals will be assessed. Note: To avoid compromising the IP potential the information contained in this abstract is intentionally kept at limited level. More information can be obtained by contacting the MELiSSA Foundation after signature of a pertinent non-disclosure agreement. Impact on MELiSSA This study will characterize possible new food supplements to be used in space as well as on earth. References: Available after NDA. Desired knowledge: Candidates preferably possess a degree in biology, (bio)chemistry or bioengineering with experience in microbial cultures management, microbial genetics and molecular biology. Experience in microbial food, mass spectrometry and animal testing are highly appreciated.