Comparative review of bioinspired bactericidal surfaces for uses in space exploration

Abstract

Space exploration has burgeoned into a billion-dollar industry, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge in various fields. The prospect of space stations being accessible to part of the population by the end of the century is within reach. However, the bacterial ecology in these stations poses a significant threat, as the hostile environment may increase the mutation rate, potentially leading to new pandemics upon return to Earth. One proposed mitigation strategy is the development of bactericidal surfaces that prevent bacteria from adhering and promote their inactivation. Bioinspired approaches offer promising solutions given their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness. This paper conducts a comprehensive literature review on bacteria in the space environment, using the International Space Station as a reference. In addition to presenting a brief overview of various bactericidal coating strategies currently studied or employed, three specific production approaches are examined in more detail: antimicrobial peptide coatings, quaternary ammonium compound coatings, and nanostructured surfaces that promote bacterial lysis. The study concludes that while antimicrobial peptides are susceptible to radiation and quaternary ammonium compounds raise concerns about genotoxicity, nanostructured surfaces emerge as a robust solution due to their structural stability and immense potential for applications in the aerospace industry.