Copper kills microbes - the microbial struggle addressed in the upcoming ESA space experiment BIOFILMS

Abstract

To achieve many of the Goals of ESA’s and NASA’s spaceprograms, an enduring human presence in space is required. For those long-term missions, sustaining the crews’ health and safety is essential. Here, the development of improved spaceflight-suitable methods for microbiological monitoring and decontamination are of great importance. The microflora of humans and habitat varies in response to changes in environmental conditions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Changes in the microflora may result in an increased health risk for the crew. Furthermore, microbial biofilms are considered a risk in space flight since they are known to cause damage to equipment from polymer deterioration, metal corrosion and bio-fouling. Various studies have shown that certain metals reduce the number of contactmediated microbial contaminations. Antimicrobial surfaces are defined as materials that inhibit or reduce microbial growth.