Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32285: Copper to the Rescue: Fighting Space Bacteria with Metal-Based Innovation

Biofilms are thin layers of bacteria that stick to surfaces—and they can be stubborn to remove. In space, where cleaning is more complicated and containment is critical, biofilms can pose serious risks. That’s why students from Valley Christian High School designed an experiment to test whether an antimicrobial copper-based paint could prevent biofilm formation in microgravity on the ISS.

Copper is well-known for its germ-killing properties. Hospitals on Earth use copper coatings to keep bacteria at bay. But in microgravity, the physics of adhesion and chemical interaction are different. The students’ experiment painted small test surfaces with the copper-based solution and exposed them to bacteria that commonly form biofilms.

Back on Earth, the team compared the growth of biofilms on copper-treated versus untreated surfaces. The results were promising: the copper paint showed noticeable inhibition of biofilm formation in space, although less effective than in Earth-based conditions.

This experiment has real-world applications not just for spacecraft hygiene but for designing future habitats on Mars or the Moon. As space travel becomes more routine, cleanliness and infection prevention become essential priorities.

What makes this project remarkable is that it was created by students—young scientists tackling complex, real-world problems and making contributions that even seasoned researchers admire.

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