Study of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation with coated and uncoated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) at different temperatures for biofilm mitigation in ISS water system

Water recovery systems in long-duration space missions face challenges from biofilms that compromise integrity and water quality. This study explores the catalytic potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) for biofilm mitigation via reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, a key factor in enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. While antimicrobial agents alone are less effective, their combination with SPIONs improves performance. Using coated and uncoated SPIONs with hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid (PAA) at 21–70°C, results showed coated SPIONs with PAA achieved the highest generation rate of ROS (0.1920 min−1, 70°C). This approach enhances biofilm control and water quality in space environments.