Abstract EANA2025-120

Filamentous fungi are naturally stress-resistant organisms capable of surviving space-relevant extremes, including desiccation, ultraviolet radiation, and low atmospheric pressure. Results from Mars analog missions such as MARSBOx have demonstrated that fungal spores can withstand stratospheric conditions mimicking the Martian surface, reinforcing their status as some of the most resilient microbial forms known (Cortesao et. al 2021). This resilience poses a dual challenge: it complicates planetary protection efforts and raises hygiene concerns in current (ISS) and future (e.g., Lunar Orbital Platform-Gateway) human space habitats - particularly in confined environments where surfaces and air systems may support microbial persistence and growth. To address these risks, space-relevant antifungal strategies are being developed. Surface microbiome mapping studies from commercial and analog space environments have revealed fungal presence especially on high-touch materials (Checinska Sielaff et. al. 2019), informing the need for targeted antifungal surface design. In response, we developed functionalized copper-based surfaces structured with ultrashort pulsed laser-induced periodic surface structures (USP–DLIP) to introduce micro- and nanostructures with potential antifungal properties. These surfaces were evaluated for their ability to inhibit fungal growth and biofilm formation using Aspergillus niger spores, a model system chosen for its robust spore architecture, high environmental resilience, and relevance to both indoor contamination and biotechnology. To assess antifungal efficacy, we conducted spore exposure assays, live/dead fluorescence staining, and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy to evaluate fungal viability, early biofilm development, and structural damage. The USP–DLIP-treated copper surfaces significantly reduced spore viability and hyphal outgrowth compared to unstructured controls (Timofeev et. al 2025). This effect was attributed to a synergistic mechanism involving the engineered surface topography, imposing mechanical stress and limiting fungal attachment and the enhanced release of biocidal copper ions. Morphological analysis revealed membrane disruption and hyphal deformation, supporting a multi-modal antifungal mode of action. Building on this foundational understanding of fungal resilience and growth mitigation, fungal biotechnology is now being actively explored as a functional asset for space exploration. Pigments such as melanin are under investigation for their radiation-shielding properties within ESA’s Bioprotect initiative (Koch et. al 2023), while Penicillium species are employed in bioleaching studies with lunar regolith simulants to support in situ resource utilization (ISRU) strategies (Figueira et al. 2025). These fungal metabolites help mobilize metals that may serve as feedstocks for construction materials, or plant fertilization in a potential lunar base. Together, these efforts illustrate a paradigm shift: from viewing fungi solely as a contamination risk to recognizing them as powerful tools in supporting habitat protection, biomaterials development, and life-support innovation beyond Earth.