About this Research Topic
Microbial contamination presents a significant challenge in confined inhabited areas, particularly in space stations and similar environments on Earth. This issue not only threatens the health of astronauts but also contributes to the degradation of on-board materials. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to expand the range of available antimicrobial surface treatments and materials. As humanity embarks on long-term space exploration missions, the development of durable antimicrobials becomes increasingly critical. On the International Space Station (ISS), which has been inhabited for over two decades, the confined and humid environment promotes the growth of terrestrial bacteria and fungi. Alarmingly, new resistant bacterial strains have been observed to evolve in this setting. Additionally, the circulation of water on the ISS has revealed the presence of contaminants, such as heavy metals, leaking from on-board materials. For future missions targeting the Moon and Mars, where resupply from Earth is not feasible, microbial contamination could pose a severe threat. Despite ongoing research, there remains a need for innovative solutions and comprehensive studies to address these challenges effectively.
This research topic aims to explore and advance the field of antimicrobial surface treatments and materials specifically designed for space applications. The primary objectives include investigating new antimicrobial agents, assessing their performance in space-relevant environments, and understanding the mechanisms by which they can reduce bioburden. Key questions to be addressed include: What novel antimicrobial coatings can be developed for space applications? How effective are existing antimicrobial treatments in preventing microbial contamination on space stations? By answering these questions, the research seeks to contribute to the safety and sustainability of long-term human space exploration.
To gather further insights in the development and application of antimicrobial surface treatments for space environments, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- New antimicrobial coatings for space applications and their performance
- Assessment of existing antimicrobial coatings for space applications
- General assessment of microbial contamination on space stations
- Trends and future research in antimicrobial coatings for confined space stations
This research topic aims to explore and advance the field of antimicrobial surface treatments and materials specifically designed for space applications. The primary objectives include investigating new antimicrobial agents, assessing their performance in space-relevant environments, and understanding the mechanisms by which they can reduce bioburden. Key questions to be addressed include: What novel antimicrobial coatings can be developed for space applications? How effective are existing antimicrobial treatments in preventing microbial contamination on space stations? By answering these questions, the research seeks to contribute to the safety and sustainability of long-term human space exploration.
To gather further insights in the development and application of antimicrobial surface treatments for space environments, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- New antimicrobial coatings for space applications and their performance
- Assessment of existing antimicrobial coatings for space applications
- General assessment of microbial contamination on space stations
- Trends and future research in antimicrobial coatings for confined space stations
Keywords: antimicrobial, surface treatment, space, bioburden, coating, material degradation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
