Radiation protection and structural stability of fungal melanin polylactic acid biocomposites in low Earth orbit.

ABSTRACT: Materials in low Earth orbit (LEO) face radiation, atomic oxygen erosion, and extreme temperature fluctuations, which can severely compromise their structural and functional integrity. Developing lightweight, multifunctional materials capable of withstanding these harsh conditions is critical for long-term space exploration and sustainable extraterrestrial settlements. This study evaluates the structural stability and radiation shielding efficacy of polylactic acid (PLA) and biocomposites, including PLA infused with fungal melanin, synthetic melanin, or animal melanin, and a compressed mycelium (CMy) coated with PLA (PLA-CMy), after exposure to the LEO environment. Samples were deployed on the Materials International Space Station Experiment-Flight Facility platform for approximately 6 mo

SUBMITTER: Cordero RJB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12067201 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature