077 Innovative antimicrobial/antibiofilm materials for the space environment

Job title:

077 Innovative antimicrobial/antibiofilm materials for the space environment

Company:

Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales

Job description

25-077 Innovative antimicrobial/antibiofilm materials for the space environmentPostuler25-077 Innovative antimicrobial/antibiofilm materials for the space environment

• Doctorat, 36 mois
• Temps plein
• Indifférent
• Maitrise, IEP, IUP, Bac+4
• Materials and processes

PostulerMissionIn view of long-duration manned flights, indoor air quality and surface cleanliness is a major issue. The ISS is known to be populated by numerous microbial organisms, fungi and bacteria growing in a totally enclosed environment including sanitation systems, thermalization circuits subject to condensation, various experiments and human activities. If the presence of a diversity of micro-organisms is not itself problematic, their localized development as corrosive biofilms may lead to surface deterioration of sensitive materials that are difficult to clean. Additionally, the formation of resistant biofilms may also lead to the airborne spread of microorganisms, posing a potential risk to the crew.Preventing the adhesion and biofilm development of microorganisms on surfaces would make it possible to better tackle this issue, also arising for more distant manned missions such as to the moon or Mars. This could allow to optimize the cleaning strategy from the current systematic and preventive mode used on the ISS, to a more flexible strategy giving astronauts greater autonomy by allowing them to act only where necessary. This would not only improve the microbiological conditions of exploration vessels but also help to break the routine of long-duration trips and therefore make them more bearable.In this context, CIRIMAT and LGC, both located on the Toulouse Paul Sabatier campus, propose the use of innovative carbon nanomaterials (few-layer graphene (FLG), graphene oxide (GO), carbon nanotubes (CNT)) for antimicrobial purposes. Our previous work has demonstrated the antibacterial activity of CNTs in suspension [1], while the PhD-work of L. Giraud (defended in 2023) was focusing on the transfer of these properties to the surface of materials [2]. This work, which has yet to be consolidated, has evidenced an antibacterial effect on both Gram + and Gram – bacteria [3]. The principle consists of ensuring the presence of carbonaceous nanomaterials (CNMs) at the surface of the treated material, i.e. in direct contact with the pathogens. We have developed an approach based on the deposition by spraying of an “ink” on the surface of the material to be treated, while ensuring the strong interaction between the CNM and the surface to prevent any unwanted release. As CNMs are needed for contact with pathogens, their presence inside the nanocomposite matrices is not necessary. Thus, this approach allows to limit the required quantities of CNM by focusing on the CNM/surface interface [2].In this work, we propose to focus on CNM coatings (including mixtures of CNMs) that could be easily deposited on silicone, identified as relevant test-materials in the inhabited space environment. Given that antimicrobial effects are linked to direct contact with pathogens, without the need for release of nanomaterials, long-term effectiveness is anticipated. However, important questions related to adhesion of cells and the possibility of biofilm formation [4] have now to be explored. The biofilm impediment and bioassays will be carried out in collaboration with Dr F. El Garah and Dr L. Pilloux at LGC, proving all the required expertise in terms of studying and analyzing the adherence and biofilm formation of both bacteria and fungi. The absence of CNM release during exposure to microorganisms will have to be demonstrated, and the CIRIMAT team is one of the recognized specialists in the study of CNM toxicity with respect to both humans and the environment. The work developed within the frame of this project may obviously also have direct applications on Earth, especially for biomedical devices, including implants, but also more widely in public transports.The topic and goals are part of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) roadmap of Spaceship France. The work will be done in close collaboration with Gregory Navarro (CNES Toulouse).Though we obtained a CNES/UT3 co-funding on this topic in 2023, S. Soueid has stopped her contract for personal reasons in Sept. 2024 after only 1 year. Thus, we are looking for a new PhD student to continue this research topic that has been already enriched by promising first results.References: [1] M. Olivi, E. Zanni, G. De Bellis, C. Talora, M. S. Sarto, C. Palleschi, E. Flahaut, M. Monthioux, D. Uccelletti, S. Fiorito, Nanoscale, 5 (2013), 9023-9029, “Inhibition of microbial growth by CNT networks”; [2] L. Giraud, A. Tourrette, E. Flahaut, Carbon, 182 (2021), 463-483, “CNM-based polymer-matrix nanocomposites for antimicrobial applications: a review”; [3] L. Giraud, O. Marsan, E. Dague, M. Ben-Neji, C. Cougoule, E. Meunier, S. Soueid, A. M. Galibert, A. Tourrette, E. Flahaut, Nanoscale, 16 (2024), 16517-16534, “Surface-anchored CNM for antimicrobial surfaces”; [4] M. Rima, C. Villeneuve-Faure, M. Soumbo, F. El Garah, L. Pilloux, C. Roques, K. Makasheva, Biomat. Sci., 12 (2024), 3086, “Towards a better understanding of the effect of protein conditioning layers on microbial adhesionFor more Information about the topics and the co-financial partner (found by the lab !);contact Directeur de thèse –Then, prepare a resume, a recent transcript and a reference letter from your M2 supervisor/ engineering school director and you will be ready to apply online before March 14th, 2025 Midnight Paris time !ProfilWe are looking for this work for a student with a Master in microbiology. The PhD co-directors (E. Flahaut, F. El Garah) and colleagues (A. Tourrette, V. Poinsot, L. Pilloux) have all the required backgrounds in Materials Science, Chemistry and microbiology. We will look for a student highly interesting to work at the interface between the 2 disciplines (microbiology/materials science) as this PhD project is exactly at the interface.

Expected salary

Location

Toulouse

Job date

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 06:37:53 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (vacanciesineu.com) you saw this job posting.