EVALUATION AND MONITORING OF MICROBIOFILMS INSIDE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION
(VIABLE ISS)
Research Area: Microbiology
Expedition(s): 27- 30
Principal Investigator(s): ● Francesco Canganella, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The eValuatIon and Monitoring of MicroBiaL Biofilms InsidE ISS (VIABLE ISS) study involves the
evaluation of the microbial biofilm development on space materials. Both metallic and textile
space materials, either conventional or innovative, are located inside and on the cover of
Nomex pouches placed inside the International Space Station (ISS).
EARTH BENEFITS
The potential application of
novel methodologies and
products to treat space
materials may lead to improve
the environmental quality of
manned confined habitats on
space; but also specific bases
and modules on Earth where
humans have to stay long-term,
particularly for scientific
purposes.
SPACE BENEFITS
The present investigation may
supply interesting data related
to the biosafety and health
quality of crew members as well
as to the maintenance of ISS hardware. Microbial biofilms are well known for causing damage
and contamination on both MIR and ISS. The potential application of novel methodologies and
products to treat space materials may lead to improve the environmental quality of manned
confined habitats on space.
RESULTS
Data analysis of VIABLE ISS is ongoing.
This investigation is ongoing and additional results are pending publication.
Planned configuration of the four VIABLE pouches inside the Functional
Cargo Block (FGB) locker. ASI image.