Boeing-designed antimicrobial coating that can kill bacteria and coronavirus is tested by astronauts on the International Space Station
- The International Space Station crew is testing antimicrobial coating
- The cover was designed by Boeing to help keep space station systems safe
- But when the pandemic hit the coronavirus, the team changed the formula
- From now until mid-2021, astronauts reach coverage almost daily
- In a few months, the evidence will return to Earth to measure effectiveness
Astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS) are experimenting with an antimicrobial surface layer designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus.
Developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland, the coating was placed on objects on a plane before being launched on the ship.
To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch objects almost every day to transfer naturally occurring microbes to human skin.
The coating was originally designed to keep space stations safe from interplanetary bacteria, but the formula was changed following the coronavirus outbreak.
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Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) perform experiments with an antimicrobial surface layer designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including coronavirus.
ISS is the goal for scientists who want to explore new innovations, because the space station’s microgravity environment allows the crew to conduct impossible research on Earth.
“Some microbes alter the characteristics of microgravity, which could create new risks to the health of the crew and spacecraft systems, as well as create the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies,” NASA said in a statement.
The tests, called Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings, sent several objects found on the planes – half with coverage and half without.
Items include the airplane seat buckle, the material on the seats and seat belts of the aircraft, as well as parts of the armrest and tray table.
Developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland, the coating was placed on objects on a plane before being launched on the ship. To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch objects almost every day to transfer naturally occurring microbes to human skin.
Astronauts touch each object almost every day to encourage microbial growth – none of the samples were contaminated before reaching the ISS, says Boeing.
Mike Delaney, Boeing’s chief aerospace security officer, said: “While testing continues in orbit and on Earth, we are encouraged by the preliminary results of the antimicrobial chemical.”
“There is potential for widespread applicability for such surface coverage when used in conjunction with other disease prevention measures.”
The cover was originally developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the pandemic blow of the coronavirus, research changed the formula to target the COVID-19 virus.
However, as humans plan to return to the moon, head for Mars, and travel to other planetary bodies with microorganisms on Earth, the cover could prevent microbial damage to spacecraft systems.
But with the modified formula, the experiments would allow us to use the coating in aircraft cabins, health care settings, food preparation environments, public transport and other public facilities.
The cover was originally developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the pandemic blow of the coronavirus, research changed the formula to target the COVID-19 virus.
Professor Michael Monteiro of UQ’s Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology said: “After years of development, it’s really interesting to see our research in space.”
“The main purpose of our antimicrobial coverage was to help protect space missions. After the current pandemic occurred, we changed the formula of the coating to target the COVID-19 virus if it is present on a surface on Earth.
“We look forward to continuing our testing regime and working to obtain regulatory approvals.”