There & Back again: Developing a tool for testing of antimicrobial surfaces for space habitat design

Abstract

Human space habitat design and hygiene systems are increasingly relevant topics particularly due to the planned human missions to deep space in the future. In crewed space missions, thus in confined indoor living habitats microorganisms are impossible to eliminate since each individual astronaut is carrying diverse microbial communities. Besides beneficial microorganisms, which play an important role in maintaining skin and gut health, there are also opportunistic pathogens which can manifest in an indoor space environment and may cause infections in astronauts. The microbial burden of a closed habitat is a significant factor contributing to the crew's health and wellbeing. Hereby, surfaces can pose as a reservoir for various microorganisms. Additionally, some microorganisms can compromise functionality of onboard systems. Hence, consideration and evaluation of microbial dispersal, growth, and adaptation of microorganisms to monitor and prevent microbial contamination of harmful bacteria is crucial, especially in the context of space travel. One promising approach to reducing microbial contamination is the use of antimicrobial surfaces. In “Touching Surfaces” novel copper-based antimicrobial surfaces were tested under real space conditions on the ISS, in schools, and in clinical settings. Touching Surfaces was part of the Cosmic Kiss mission of ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer and tested onboard the ISS. Upon return to Earth, the Touch Arrays were analyzed regarding their microbial community using next generation sequencing and culture- dependent isolation, as well as material integrity by electron microscopy to determine antimicrobial efficiency, which will then be related to the environmental conditions on the ISS. One key objective of Touching Surfaces is the evaluation of antimicrobial surfaces to reduce microbial contamination on the ISS. The hardware of Touching Surfaces allows easy implementation and testing of different surfaces. Results of Touching Surfaces will aid in developing a conveniently implementable tool for future interdisciplinary health and space habitat design.