Pathogen decontamination technology for safer space exploration

University of Galway spin-out Aquila Bioscience is collaborating with the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop a nature-inspired pathogen decontamination technology for safer space exploration.

Traditional antimicrobial measures, while effective on Earth, present significant limitations in space due to potential toxicity, pathogen resistance, and long-term stability concerns. The unique conditions of spaceflight elevate the risk of infectious diseases by altering both human and microbial physiology.

Decontamination technology for safer space exploration

Aquila Bioscience’s approach to pathogen decontamination is informed by an extensive review of International Space Station microbiome research, which identified key pathogens posing health risks in confined space environments. These include viruses, bacteria and fungi that cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary and skin infections.

Professor Lokesh Joshi, Founder of Aquila Bioscience and Stokes Professor of Glycosciences at University of Galway, said: “Aquila Bioscience is committed to addressing the critical challenges of pathogen exposure in space. Our Pathogen Capturing Technology aligns with the principles of safety, sustainability and innovation that are essential for the future of space exploration. We are honoured to have the European Space Agency’s support as we push the boundaries of innovation. This collaboration underscores the importance of developing sustainable, non-toxic and effective solutions for challenges associated with space exploration.”

Aquila Bioscience is pioneering a groundbreaking solution to enhance health and safety protocols for space missions called Pathogen Capturing Technology (PCT). Unlike traditional antimicrobials that may lead to pathogen mutations, sterilisation tolerance, or antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Aquila Biosciences technology provides a safe, effective and eco-friendly alternative that is stable over long periods as space agencies and commercial spaceflight companies strive to ensure the health and safety of their crews.

Professor Joshi said: “The deployment of our pathogen control technology in space missions has the potential to revolutionise decontamination protocols, enhancing the safety and well-being of astronauts while supporting sustainable and responsible space exploration.”

Aquila Bioscience’s innovative technology employs a selection of natural protein-carbohydrate molecules on a biodegradable matric that act as molecular-Velcro, to capture and remove harmful pathogens without damaging human skin or surfaces.

The Pathogen Capturing Technology’s biodegradable composition also addresses critical spaceflight constraints such as payload weight and waste management, ensuring its suitability for long-duration missions.

The solution has been inspired by the knowledge of how nature protects humans from germs encountered on a regular basis, offering a non-toxic alternative to conventional decontamination agents like alcohol, bleach, and ammonium compounds, which are often unsuitable for skin use due to their harshness and potential toxicity.

The project is sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) under ESA Initial Support for Innovation (EISI) activities, funded through the Discovery Programme.

About Aquila Bioscience

Aquila Bioscience is a leader in developing innovative, nature-inspired technologies for pathogen capture and decontamination. With a focus on safety, sustainability, and effectiveness, the company’s solutions are designed to address critical challenges in healthcare, defense, and space exploration.

About University of Galway

Established in 1845, University of Galway is one of the top 2% of universities in the world. We are in the top 50 universities globally for sustainable development in line with the United Nations SDGs. We are a bilingual university, comprised of four colleges, 18 schools and five research institutes, with more than 19,000 students, including around 3,000 international students.

We are the only university in Ireland designated a Government of Ireland Sustainable Development Champion. We have been accredited with an Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award, and 11 out of our 18 schools hold individual Athena SWAN Awards. We have more than 2,500 staff, and research collaborations with 4,675 international institutions in 137 countries. We have 110,000 alumni and 98% of graduates are in employment or further study within six months.

For more information visit www.universityofgalway.ie

See more breaking stories here.