MATISS is a study focused on the attachment mechanism of biofilms in microgravity.
In
the International Space Station, which has been continuously occupied
for over twenty years, hygiene is a crucial element for the health of
astronauts. In a closed environment, any uncontrolled bacteriological
development can have disastrous effects, for example by affecting the
quality of the recycled air.
Thus, every Saturday, the occupants
of the ISS, armed with antibacterial wipes, disinfect surfaces, vacuum,
pick up litter. No corner escapes them… or almost.
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MATISS: Microbial Aerosol Tethering on Innovative Surfaces
An
area of the Station does not in fact undergo any cleaning: it is
intentionally left dirty. The reason ? An experiment called MATISS, the
acronym for Microbial Aerosol Tethering on Innovative Surfaces (fixation
of microbial aerosols on innovative surfaces).
This project
studies the development of microorganisms on different materials, and
more precisely the attachment mechanism of biofilms in microgravity
situation, these “structured clusters of bacterial cells, coated with a
polymer matrix, attached to a surface [which] protect bacteria and allow
them to survive in harsh environmental conditions ”.
Alas (?),
MATISS does not match our reputation as a people little inclined to
hygiene: it is indeed managed by the CNES (National Center for Space
Studies).
Joking aside, according to CNES, 'the intelligent surfaces of the MATISS device react to the approach of bacteria by preventing them from landing, proliferating and creating the biofilms that protect them in a hostile environment'.
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Several phases since 2016
Conducted since 2016, MATISS has
already gone through three phases. The first consisted of placing four
sample holders for six months in three different places of the Columbus
module. The following phases renewed the process, always with four
sample holders, but installed in the same place and with different
materials.
CNES believes that the discoveries resulting from this
experience will, in the short term, simplify decontamination
operations; in the longer term, to participate in the development of
spaceships of a new kind. Land-based applications are also possible,
particularly in public transport.
Anyway, the next time someone
criticizes you for not cleaning up this or that place, talk about the
scientific significance of such a study!
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