Biofilms and Keeping Water Clean

Eliminating Biofilms on the ISS Using Non-Toxic Products

Objective: Students are tasked with developing solutions to eliminate biofilms in the International Space Station (ISS) piping systems using non-toxic products.

Background:

Piping Systems on the ISS: Unlike Earth, where gravity helps manage water flow and air bubbles, the ISS relies on bellows to maintain water pressure. In microgravity, air bubbles can block water flow, complicating the management of biofilms.

Current Cleaning Methods: NASA employs silver and iodine as biocides to prevent microbial growth in the water systems. The Russian side uses silver biocide, while the US side uses iodine, which is removed before consumption. However, these methods can still allow biofilms to form due to equipment contamination or ineffective cleaning.

Considerations for Design:

Microgravity Effects: Bacteria behave differently in microgravity, often becoming more virulent and forming biofilms in unique configurations. This may require higher concentrations of treatments compared to Earth.

Non-Hazardous Requirements: Solutions must be non-flammable, non-explosive, and produce no toxic gases if ignited. Ideally, treatments should be filterable or neutralizable and allow for concentration monitoring post-treatment.

Natural Alternatives: Exploring natural anti-biofilm agents could provide effective, non-toxic solutions. Research indicates that certain natural substances can inhibit biofilm formation

Conclusion: Students are encouraged to innovate and propose non-toxic methods for biofilm elimination on the ISS, considering the unique challenges posed by microgravity and the need for safety in a closed environment.