³¹P NMR spectroscopy of DMAB(P)-Ch.

<p>³¹P NMR spectroscopy of DMAB(P)-Ch.</p

Biomass of <i>A</i>. <i>niger</i> after 2 days under normal and microgravity in presence and absence of DMAB-Ch(P) ^a).

<p>^a) values given are average of three experiments.</p><p>MG–Microgravity</p><p>NG–Normal gravity</p><p>Biomass of <i>A</i>. <i>niger</i> after 2 days under normal and microgravity in presence and absence of DMAB-Ch(P) <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0139303#t002fn001" target="_blank">^a)</a>.</p

FT-IR spectroscopy of Ch and DMAB(P)-Ch.

<p>FT-IR spectroscopy of Ch and DMAB(P)-Ch.</p

Effect of Microgravity on Fungistatic Activity of an α-Aminophosphonate Chitosan Derivative against <i>Aspergillus niger</i>

<div><p>Biocontamination within the international space station is ever increasing mainly due to human activity. Control of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria are important to maintain the well-being of the astronauts during long-term stay in space since the immune functions of astronauts are compromised under microgravity. For the first time control of the growth of an opportunistic pathogen, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, under microgravity is studied in the presence of α-aminophosphonate chitosan. A low-shear modelled microgravity was used to mimic the conditions similar to space. The results indicated that the α-aminophosphonate chitosan inhibited the fungal growth significantly under microgravity. In addition, the inhibition mechanism of the modified chitosan was studied by UV-Visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. This work highlighted the role of a bio-based chitosan derivative to act as a disinfectant in space stations to remove fungal contaminants.</p></div

Schematic representation of synthesis of α-aminophosphonate chitosan derivative.

<p>Schematic representation of synthesis of α-aminophosphonate chitosan derivative.</p

UV-Vis spectral data of Ch and DMAB(P)-Ch.

<p>UV-Vis spectral data of Ch and DMAB(P)-Ch.</p