Antimicrobial coating designed by Boeing that can kill bacteria and coronavirus, being tested by astronauts on the International Space Station
- The crew of the International Space Station is testing an antimicrobial coating
- The coating was designed by Boeing to keep space station systems safe
- But when the coronavirus pandemic hit, the team changed the formula
- From now until mid-2021, astronauts will touch the coating almost daily
- In a few months, the samples will return to Earth to measure effectiveness
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are conducting experiments with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus.
Developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland, the coating was placed on aircraft objects before they were launched onto the ship.
To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch the objects almost every day to transfer microbes naturally occurring on human skin.
The coating was initially designed to protect space stations from interplanetary bacteria, but the formula was changed after the coronavirus outbreak.
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Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) conduct experiments with an antimicrobial surface coating designed to fight bacteria and viruses, including the coronavirus
The ISS is the place to go for scientists who want to explore new innovations, as the space station’s microgravity environment allows the crew to conduct research that is not possible on Earth.
“Some microbes change characteristics in microgravity, which could pose new risks to the health of the crew and spacecraft systems, as well as create the possibility of contaminating other planetary bodies,” NASA shared in a statement.
The tests, called Boeing Environment Responding Antimicrobial Coatings, sent various objects found on airplanes – half with the coating and half without.
Objects include an airplane seat buckle, airplane seat fabric and seat belts, and parts for an armrest and a tray table.
Developed by Boeing and the University of Queensland, the coating was placed on aircraft objects before they were launched onto the ship. To promote microbial growth, astronauts touch the objects almost every day to transfer microbes naturally occurring on human skin
Astronauts touch every object almost every day to stimulate microbial growth – none of the samples were contaminated before they reached the ISS, Boeing says.
Mike Delaney, Boeing’s Chief Aerospace Safety Officer, said, “As testing continues on orbit and on Earth, we are encouraged by the preliminary results of the antimicrobial compound.”
“There is a potential for broad applicability for a surface coating like this in combination with other measures to prevent disease transmission.”
The coating was initially developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic, studies have modified the formula to combat the COVID-19 virus.
However, because humans plan to return to the Moon, go to Mars, and travel to other planetary bodies with microorganisms from Earth, the coating can prevent microbial damage to spacecraft systems.
But with the modified formula, the experiments would allow us to use the coating in aircraft cabins, healthcare facilities, food preparation environments, public transportation and other public facilities.
The coating was initially developed to protect astronauts during space missions, but after the coronavirus pandemic, studies have modified the formula to combat the COVID-19 virus.
Professor Michael Monteiro from UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology said, “After years of development, it is really exciting to see our research in space.”
The primary purpose of our antimicrobial coating was to help protect space missions. After the current pandemic hit, we modified the coating’s formula to also attack the COVID-19 virus if it is present on a surface on Earth. ‘
“We look forward to continuing our testing program and working on regulatory approvals.”