Enhanced corrosion of aluminum alloys induced by Aspergillus brasiliensis in space

With the increasing duration of space missions, the impact of fungi on aerospace materials requires systematic investigation. We evaluate the adaptability of Aspergillus brasiliensis and its corrosion effects on aluminum alloy under space conditions through a 90-day experiment. Fungal growth characteristics, ultrastructural changes, metabolic activity, and interactions with the material surface are analyzed. The results show that Aspergillus brasiliensis maintains high adaptability to microgravity, exhibiting thickened cell walls, enhanced spore formation, and increased metabolic activity. Corrosion analysis reveals that fungal attachment accelerates localized material degradation through organic acid secretion and oxygen concentration differentials. The microgravity environment further amplifies these effects by influencing fungal metabolism and altering corrosion dynamics. Compared to ground-based conditions, space-exposed samples show significantly higher organic acid concentrations and metal ion dissolution, indicating intensified corrosion. These findings enhance the understanding of microbial corrosion mechanisms in space and provide a foundation for antifungal strategies to improve the reliability of aerospace materials during long-term missions.