Simulated Microgravity Accelerates Alloy Corrosion by Aspergillus sp. via the Enhanced Production of Organic Acids.

Metal corrosion caused by Aspergillus sp. was shown to be significantly enhanced on a space station, but its mechanism is still unknown. To simulate this on earth, the corrosion capability of A. carbonarius on five metal sheets was investigated under simulated microgravity. Also, the effect of metal ions on growth and organic acid production was determined. Results showed that A. carbonarius could corrode all five types of metal, including Ti alloy, aluminum alloy, iron, and aluminum and copper sheet, and the corrosion was intensified under simulated microgravity. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis showed that metal ions enriched on A. carbonarius spores, especially iron, aluminum ions, and copper ions, indicating that A. carbonarius can use these metal ions. In particular, the content of oxalic acid was significantly increased after A. carbonarius cocultured with five metal materials under simulated microgravity. Al3+, Fe3+, and Cu2+ at the concentration of 0.3 mg/mL and Mg2+ at 0.8 mg/mL significantly promoted the growth and oxalic acid and citric acid production of A. carbonarius and A. niger under normal gravity and simulated microgravity. Comparing the impact of metal ions and metal sheets on the production of organic acids, it can be inferred that oxalic acid may dominate in the corrosion process of A. carbonarius. In summary, molds promoted metal corrosion by producing organic acids, and the released metal ions will further promote the growth of mold and the accumulation of organic acids. This may be an important reason for the intensification of mold corrosion under microgravity. IMPORTANCE The space station and other long-term manned spacecrafts will experience the risk of microbial corrosion, especially mold, which will be harmful to the platform system and astronauts. Aspergillus sp. has been widely reported to produce organic acids that corrode and destroy materials, and the ability of these crafts to fly through space can be significantly affected. Research on the mechanism that causes enhanced corrosion ability of fungi in space stations is important to control their growth. Our research focuses on the interaction between mold and metals. In particular, it is found that metal ions promote mold growth and produce organic acids, thus accelerating mold corrosion of metals. Our results provide a new perspective for the control of fungal corrosion under simulated microgravity.