Biofilm for Space

This technology is a microbial biofilm designed for survival and functionality in space environments made from a carefully selected combination of extremophiles, which are microorganisms, bacteria, and microbes capable of living in extreme conditions. Each extremophile has distinct capabilities that work together for oxygen production, radiation protection, extreme cold tolerance, and nitrogen for plant growth. Unlike single-species systems or synthetic modules, this living biofilm can self-repair, adapt to environmental changes, and provide multiple life-support benefits without constant resupply. Together, these microorganisms form a living layer that can endure intense UV radiation, low temperatures, and nutrient-poor soils, supporting human life by generating oxygen, protecting against radiation, and enabling sustainable agriculture in planetary habitats such as those on Mars.

Background: 
Space colonization faces critical challenges, including the need for oxygen production, radiation shielding, temperature regulation, and nutrient cycling in environments with minimal resources. Current approaches often rely on heavy, resource-intensive mechanical systems that require constant maintenance and replacement, making them costly and logistically complex for long-duration missions. This extremophile-based biofilm can withstand high radiation, extreme cold, and nutrient-poor conditions to support sustained presence and functionality in space environments. 

Applications: 

  • Space exploration life-support systems
  • Martian or lunar agriculture and greenhouse environments
  • Planetary habitat oxygenation and soil enrichment
  • Terraforming and long-term extraterrestrial ecosystem establishment
  • Protective biological coatings for space infrastructure


Advantages: 

  • Generates oxygen from carbon dioxide for breathable atmospheres
  • Shields against harmful radiation 
  • Maintains function in extreme cold, with dormancy during unfavorable conditions
  • Fixes nitrogen to improve plant growth in extraterrestrial soils
  • Combines multiple life-support functions into one system
  • Self-repairing and adaptive, reducing the need for maintenance and replacement
  • Lightweight and scalable for use in both small missions and large-scale colonization
Patent Information: