){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
Hitchhiking Bacteria Become Superbugs in Microgravity
Bacteria would ordinarily die when exposed to radiation, extreme temperatures and the vacuum of microgravity. But bacteria have evolved a resistance response on Earth – the formation of biofilm to shield themselves from environmental threats (sterilization, UV light, disinfectants, antibiotics, immune responses, etc.). In microgravity, biofilm rapidly forms thicker and faster than on Earth.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab identified >130 biofilm-forming bacteria inside the cabin of the International Space Station, suits and systems. Under the biofilm shield, these antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria are 100x more difficult to remove from dry surfaces and 1000x more difficult to kill. On Earth, they are called “Superbugs” for which there are no longer any cures.
Aequor worked for 3 years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, demonstrating that its proprietary treatment completely decontaminated the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) that recycles daily liquids (urine, soapy water, sweat, ambient humidity) into potable water. Once the ECLSS on board the ISS became contaminated with thick biofilm, astronauts became ill and had to be returned to Earth.
NASA awarded Aequor its iTech Award for Life Support because one treatment dispersed the biofilm in minutes and prevented its formation for 15 months without replenishment at doses too low to trigger resistance. Aequor’s treatment was launched to the ISS on Space-X-26 in 2022 and is on the manifest for 2025 for further testing against additional Superbugs, which increase surface degradation, infection and disease that cannot be remedied with current antibiotics and biocides. These Superbugs can also cross-contaminate back to Earth.
Aequor will present its validation data at SpaceCom 26. Just because the bacteria hitchhike up to manned space vehicles and habitats does not mean that they will stymie colonization and exploration endeavors. Solving the problem of bacterial resistance in Space advances an understanding of human and planetary health.
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}