Check out this article featuring our CDC Biofilm Reactor!
NASA researchers battle biofilm in space (phys.org)
The applications of BioSurface Technologies’ CDC Biofilm Reactor are ever expanding, even being used for space exploration by NASA. NASA’s ongoing research is focused on mitigating the impact of biofilms on spacecraft systems, with the CDC Biofilm Reactor playing a critical role in these studies.
One of the vital applications of the CDC Biofilm Reactor is biofilm testing in space applications for improving water recycling systems. On the International Space Station (ISS), biofilms can clog systems like the wastewater tank assembly, which is crucial for reclaiming water. The CDC Biofilm Reactor, which is designed to grow and study biofilms under controlled conditions, is instrumental in testing various methods to prevent biofilm buildup. By simulating conditions similar to those in space, this reactor allows scientists to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-biofilm strategies, which are crucial for ensuring reliable water systems on long-term missions.
As NASA looks toward further exploration of the Moon and Mars, understanding biofilm behavior in space becomes increasingly important. Biofilms can effect everything from water systems to agricultural setups in extraterrestrial colonies. Testing biofilms in space helps scientists anticipate challenges and develop solutions that will be crucial for sustaining life in these new environments.
As part of these NASA studies and research discussions, our CDC Biofilm Reactors were recently featured on the NASA’s “Small Steps, Giant Leaps” podcast. The August 7, 2024 Episode 135: “Biofilm – Dealing with the Scum off the Earth” discussed the challenge of biofilm formation in space. This podcast goes over the ongoing research to understand how biofilms behave in microgravity and the innovative approaches being developed to mitigate their effects, ensuring safer long-term space missions. For more details, check out the full episode: Small Steps, Giant Leaps: Episode 135: Biofilm – Dealing with the Scum off the Earth – NASA
Other previous NASA publications focusing on the CDC Biofilm Reactor include: CDC Bioreactor Configuration Method for Volume Level Control with Controlled Inlet and Outlet Flow: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20230008061/downloads/20230008061.pdf
BioSurface Technologies is proud to be playing a small part in our national space efforts and looking forward to further research postings using our biofilm investigative tools.
