Bacterial Growth Responses to Simulated Microgravity: Implications for Space Biotechnology and Sustainable Development, Prof. Hanan Malkawi
Professor Hanan I. Malkawi
Department of Biological Sciences
Yarmouk University
21163 Irbid
Jordan
ORCID: 0000-0001-7024-4789
Paper Type: Research
Received: 25 September 2025 / Revised: 19 November 2025 / Accepted: 11 December 2025 / Published: 22 December 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJSTSD.20.4.2025.3
Purpose: The current study investigates the adaptive responses of four bacterial strains in terms of physiology, morphology, and genetic behaviour under simulated microgravity (SMG) compared to their real exposure to the outer space stratosphere.
Design/methodology/approach: Four nonpathogenic bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus, were cultured under SMG using a 3D clinostat and their growth, viability, morphology, antibiotic susceptibility, and gene stability were tested.
Findings: The bacterial strains under study survived SMG, with certain species showing phenotypic changes, shifts in antibiotic susceptibility, and a few genetic variations.
Originality/value: The study showed gravitational effects and shed light about the importance for control of space contamination and microbial risk, which contribute to SDG 3, SDG 9, and SDG 13.
Research limitations: Longer- duration exposure, and multi‑omics analyses are recommended.
Practical implications: The findings point to health management of space missions and the design of space relevant microbial bioprocesses.
Keywords: Simulated Microgravity; Bacterial Adaptation; Clinostat; Antibiotic Sensitivity; Genomics; Sustainable Development.
Citation: Malkawi (2025): Bacterial Growth Responses to Simulated Microgravity: Implications for Space Biotechnology and Sustainable Development. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development (WJSTSD), Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 367-382.
