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

Summary

Scientists sent biocomposite materials containing fungal melanin into space for six months to test if they could protect equipment and astronauts from radiation and other harsh conditions. The results showed that fungal melanin-infused materials lost significantly less mass and showed better radiation protection than plain plastics. This research suggests that fungal melanin-based materials could be valuable for long-duration space missions because they are lightweight, biodegradable, and could potentially be grown in space.

Background

Materials in low Earth orbit face severe environmental stressors including radiation, atomic oxygen erosion, and extreme temperature fluctuations that compromise structural integrity. Fungal melanin possesses unique physicochemical properties including radiation protection, energy capture, and mechanical strength. This study evaluates biocomposites combining polylactic acid with fungal melanin for space applications.

Objective

To evaluate the structural stability and radiation shielding efficacy of polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites infused with fungal melanin, synthetic melanin, animal melanin, and compressed mycelium after exposure to low Earth orbit conditions. The study assesses mass loss, optical properties, surface morphology, and radiation protection capabilities.

Results

Fungal melanin-infused PLA reduced mass loss by 88.6% in zenith orientation and 54.5% in wake orientation compared to pure PLA. All melanin-containing biocomposites demonstrated effective radiation shielding, with superior UV-A and UV-C protection compared to pure PLA. Fungal melanin minimized surface wrinkle formation, indicating protective effects against space-induced degradation.

Conclusion

Fungal melanin enhances the structural stability and radiation shielding efficacy of PLA biocomposites under low Earth orbit conditions. These findings demonstrate the potential of fungal melanin as a bioderived additive for developing sustainable, lightweight materials capable of protecting astronauts and space assets during long-duration space missions.
  • Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1073/pnas.2427118122
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