NASA sends U of I student research to space to further scientific exploration

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho student research is headed to NASA’s International Space Station (ISS) to help astronauts stay healthy in space, extend mission success and deepen our understanding of the galaxy we live in.

Research led by U of I College of Engineering chemical engineering graduate student Adrienne Shea and Professor Matthew Bernards focuses on developing a bacteria adhesion-resistant coating for use in space vehicles to protect astronauts from sickness and disease. The nonfouling polymers resist the adhesion of proteins and bacteria, keeping surfaces germ-free longer and lowering the potential spread of infection.

To test how these polymers perform in zero-gravity conditions, the research will be launched to the ISS during a live broadcast streamed at nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv. It is tentatively scheduled to launch at 2:45 a.m. Pacific time Sunday, Aug. 24.

The U of I research will remain on the ISS for 30 days before returning to Earth to determine the coating’s success. Housed in a protective containment chamber designed and built by Shea, two strains of bacteria most commonly found in wastewater on the ISS will be automatically introduced to stainless steel samples coated in the nonfouling polymers.

“We're essentially replicating — in an enclosed, protected space — what an astronaut might come into contact with within their drinking water system,” said Shea, of Columbus, Indiana. “Working on a project that’s headed to the ISS is an incredible opportunity, not just because it’s space-bound, but because the work we’re doing has real potential to improve human health.”

Future iterations of the research will include developing the coating for larger surfaces such as drinking water piping. Water supply is limited on spacecraft, and reliable access to clean drinking water through water reclamation and treatment is fundamental. Bernards said applying this polymer coating to water supply lines on spacecraft could keep water treatment failures from jeopardizing the health of the crew and success of the mission.

“This research is crucial not only for protecting astronaut health during long-term space missions, but also for advancing water distribution systems here on Earth,” Bernards said. “By developing materials that resist bacteria and protein buildup, we’re helping create cleaner, safer environments."

The polymers have additional application as coatings for biomedical procedures, including organ transplants, joint replacements and more. Their nonfouling properties keep devices implanted in the body from being identified as foreign and rejected.

MEDIA NOTE: Graduate students and faculty are available for interview. Photos are available at this link and more will be added as they become available. Email alexisst@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-7511 to arrange interviews.

Media contacts

Alexiss Turner
Marketing and communications manager
University of Idaho College of Engineering
208-885-7511
alexisst@uidaho.edu

Matthew Bernards
Professor, University of Idaho College of Engineering
mbernards@uidaho.edu