BREAKING DOWN BIOLOGY
ONE BREAKTHROUGH AT A TIME
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BREAKDOWN BIO and NASA Execute Licensing Agreement
Breakthrough Microbial Technology, Unlocking New Possibilities for Space and Earth.
MERCED, CA, March 10, 2025 — Breakdown Bio, a trailblazing biotechnology startup, proudly announces a transformative license agreement with NASA. This collaboration brings a revolutionary microbial technology from NASA Ames Research Center into Breakdown Bio’s hands, offering unparalleled benefits for sustainable resource production in space and beyond.
Game-Changing Benefits of the Technology
This cutting-edge technology stands out for its robust and cost-effective approach to bio-manufacturing. At its core are unique microorganisms that serve as self-replicating bio-factories, capable of producing both native and engineered bio-products tailored to mission-critical needs. These bio-factories harness readily available carbon sources—such as carbon dioxide and methane—to create a sustainable production system that thrives in resource-scarce environments like space.
A standout feature is the ability to recapture lost methane in space and repurpose it for microbial manufacturing. This innovative approach could redefine in-space bio-manufacturing, turning waste into valuable resources. The technology also integrates seamlessly with existing flight-approved systems, such as the Sabatier process, by coupling its waste streams to new bio-manufacturing systems. Beyond Sabatier, methane could be sourced from a variety of physico-chemical and non-physico-chemical technologies, further enhancing flexibility.
The microorganisms generate mission-relevant bio-products with unique capabilities, including:
Materials for habitat construction to support long-term space living.
Nutritional resources for astronauts to sustain health during missions.
Biomedical applications to address health challenges in space.
Designed to be scalable, programmable, and regenerable, this system adapts to evolving demands, ensuring longevity and versatility for both short- and long-term applications.
Applications Across Space and Earth
The potential of this technology spans multiple sectors:
Space Industry:
Habitat Construction: Enabling durable, sustainable living spaces for astronauts.
Astronaut Nutrition: Producing essential nutrients on-site to reduce reliance on Earth resupply.
Biomedical Applications: Supporting astronaut health with tailored bio-products.
Terrestrial Methane-Based Microbial Bio-Manufacturing:
Leveraging methane as a carbon source, this technology offers sustainable solutions for industries aiming to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency on Earth.
Biotechnology Industry:
Opening new pathways for bio-product innovation, with applications ranging from healthcare to industrial manufacturing.
"This technology’s ability to turn abundant resources like methane and carbon dioxide into mission-critical products is a leap forward," said Jesse, CTO of Breakdown Bio. "By coupling it with proven systems and recapturing lost methane, we’re building a foundation for sustainable exploration in space and groundbreaking advancements on Earth."
A Vision for the Future
Breakdown Bio is committed to pushing this technology to its full potential in collaboration with NASA. The company envisions a future where these robust, cost-effective bio-factories empower humanity to thrive in space while driving innovation in terrestrial markets.
About Breakdown Bio: Breakdown Bio is a biotechnology startup focused on sustainable resource solutions for extreme environments. Through cutting-edge bioengineering and strategic partnerships, the company is shaping the future of resource production.
About NASA's Technology Transfer Program: NASA’s Technology Transfer Program shares space-developed innovations with the public, enabling companies like Breakdown Bio to create impactful solutions for humanity.
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For media inquiries, contact team@breakdownbio.com.
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