The spread of microbial pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and mould affects hundreds of millions of people every year. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the world. In hygienically critical areas such as hospitals and drinking water systems, such microbes are fought daily to prevent, for example, hospital-acquired infections. A new research project on the International Space Station (ISS) now aims to deliver further insights – although copper pipes or fittings are not part of the experiment.

Bacteria: A Challenge Everywhere – Even in Space

Just as on Earth, microorganisms colonise the human-made habitats in space. They can arrive via supply shipments, but mostly they originate from the astronauts themselves, who naturally carry more bacterial cells in and on their bodies than their own human cells.

Nearly 250 astronauts have lived on the ISS so far – enough to create a diverse microbiological environment. Bacteria can settle on handles, levers, and buttons, forming biofilms: slimy layers providing ideal conditions for survival.

While most of these bacteria are harmless, some could be dangerous. Microgravity weakens even the fittest astronauts’ immune systems, while cosmic radiation increases bacterial mutation rates.

Novel Surfaces to the Rescue

“We are developing various novel surfaces to prevent biofilm formation,” explains Professor Frank Mücklich, Chair of Functional Materials at Saarland University. “The goal is to ensure that, during space missions, no harmful microorganisms can spread inside the station – particularly with an eye on future long-term missions such as a crewed flight to Mars.”

Mücklich’s team has been researching new antimicrobial surfaces in multiple projects. In 2019, together with NASA and MIT in Boston, they sent several series of laser-structured material samples to the ISS. On 28 August, numerous new samples will head into space, developed in cooperation with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Professor Ralf Möller’s team at the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

For this mission, researchers have used an innovative laser technique to engrave microscopically fine, periodic structures into the surfaces of copper, brass, and steel samples. “Using laser interference technology, we precisely alter the micro-topography of the surface – effectively without chemicals. We aim to determine whether and how microbes colonise these structures in microgravity and whether nano-precise laser structuring, combined with antimicrobial properties, can prevent the spread of bacterial strains,” Mücklich explains.

Could Copper Have Made a Difference?

No one knows for sure. However, copper’s antimicrobial properties are well documented. Judging by the impact of COVID-19 on both human health and the global economy, the initially higher investment costs pale in comparison to the potential benefits.

Another hygiene-critical area is drinking water. While water itself does not transmit coronaviruses and most piping is rarely touched by hand, the idea of almost infinitely durable, completely maintenance-free pipes and fittings with antimicrobial properties – and ideal suitability for contact with water – is appealing. SANHA® offers a range of copper and copper alloy piping systems, many of which, such as the Series 6000 press fittings, hold extensive international certifications including WRAS, CSBT and TÜV.

It may still be some time before copper pipes or fittings are sent into space for research purposes – but the potential is there.

Scientific contact:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Frank Mücklich
Chair of Functional Materials, Saarland University
Steinbeis Research Center Material Engineering Center Saarland (MECS)
Tel. +49 681 302-70500
E-mail: frank.muecklich@uni-saarland.de
www.fuwe.uni-saarland.de – Functional Materials
www.mec-s.de – Steinbeis Research Center for Materials Engineering

(Adapted in part from “Neuartige Oberflächen gegen Bakterien: Forschungsproben fliegen zur ISS”, idw-online.de)