Boeing-designed antimicrobial coating that can kill bacteria and coronavirus is being tested by astronauts on the International Space Station
- The crew of the International Space Station tests an antimicrobial layer
- The layer was designed by Boeing to keep space systems safe
- But when the coronavirus pandemic occurred, the team changed the formula
- From now until mid-2021, astronauts touch the layer almost every day
- In a few months, the samples will return to Earth to measure effectiveness
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are experimenting with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus.
The coating was developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland and placed the objects on an airplane before being launched to the ship.
To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch the objects almost every day to transmit microbes that occur naturally on human skin.
The coating was initially designed to protect space stations from interplanetary bacteria, but the formula was changed after the outbreak of the coronavirus.
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Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are conducting experiments with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus.
The ISS is the best choice for scientists who want to explore new innovations, as the microgravity environment of the space station enables the crew to conduct research that is not possible on Earth.
“Some microbes are changing the characteristics of micro-gravity, which could pose new risks to health and spacecraft systems, as well as the possibility of polluting other planetary bodies,” NASA said in a statement.
The tests, called Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings, sent several objects found on airplanes – half with the coating and half without.
The items include a seat belt for airplanes, material of airplane seats and seat belts, and parts of an armrest and a tray.
The layer was developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland and was placed on objects of an aircraft before being launched to the ship. To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch the objects almost every day to transmit microbes that occur naturally on human skin
Astronauts touch every object almost every day to encourage microbial growth – none of the monsters were infected before reaching the ISS, says Boeing.
Mike Delaney, Boeing’s chief safety officer, said: “While testing continues on a runway and on Earth, we are encouraged by the preliminary results of the antimicrobial chemical compound.”
“There is a broad applicability for a surface coating like this along with other measures to prevent the transmission of diseases.”
The layer was initially developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic, research changed the formula to target the COVID-19 virus.
Since humans plan to return to the moon, go to Mars, and travel with microorganisms from Earth to other planetary bodies, the cover could prevent microbial damage to spacecraft systems.
But with the modified formula, the experiments could allow us to use the coverage in airplane cabins, health care facilities, food preparation environments, public transportation, and other public facilities.
The layer was initially developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic, research has adapted 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 exciting to see our research in space.’
‘The main purpose of our antimicrobial layer was to help protect space emissions. After the current pandemic hit, we changed the formula of the layer to also target the COVID-19 virus if it occurs on a surface on Earth. ‘
“We look forward to continuing our testing program and working to obtain regulatory approvals.”