{"id":36406,"date":"2025-12-15T06:33:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T06:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/?p=36406"},"modified":"2026-01-05T12:57:49","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T12:57:49","slug":"smart-fabric-warning-of-radiation-heads-to-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/smart-fabric-warning-of-radiation-heads-to-space\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart Fabric Warning of Radiation Heads to Space"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Just as high radiation<\/strong> damages human DNA<\/strong>, the fading of pigments<\/strong> in bacteria<\/strong> injected into the fabric forms the basis of a smart early warning system<\/strong>. The goal of the project is to add protective properties to space suits<\/strong> using a sustainable<\/strong> and biological method<\/strong> instead of synthetic dyes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pigmented Space Pioneers<\/strong>, an ambitious project intersecting the worlds of science and fashion, is developing a technology with the potential to revolutionize space<\/a><\/em> exploration<\/strong>. The main goal of the project is to produce radiation-sensitive<\/strong>, color-changing smart fabrics<\/strong> using dyes produced by certain special bacteria<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Developed in collaboration with scientists and fashion designers from the University of Glasgow<\/strong>, these fabrics not only offer biological<\/strong> and sustainable dyes<\/strong> but also give a warning by changing color<\/strong> when exposed to dangerous levels of radiation<\/strong>. Project leader Dr. Gilles Bailet<\/strong> explains that just as radiation exposure<\/strong> breaks down human DNA<\/a><\/em><\/strong>, pigments in bacteria also break down and color saturation<\/strong> decreases. Bailet states that they aim to use this visual response to create a visible early warning system<\/strong> that does not require electronics<\/strong> or batteries<\/strong> to protect astronauts<\/strong> on the Lunar surface<\/strong> or in further explorations. At the same time, this fabric can serve as a protective coating<\/strong> for sensitive equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bacteria and 3D Printing Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The fabrics were produced using six different harmless bacteria types<\/strong> capable of producing different colors like red, yellow, and blue. The pigments<\/strong> of these microbes provide natural protection against environmental stresses. Bacteria are injected into the fabric in precise patterns using special needles and 3D printing techniques<\/strong>. When the bacteria die, their colors remain inside the fabric.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designer Katie Tubbing<\/strong> states that the developed fabric has a design that is both visually interesting and easy to read, and the fading of the dye indicates potential dangerous radiation exposure<\/strong> at a glance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This technology could have potential uses not only for space but also on Earth<\/strong>. For example, it is possible to produce radiation-sensitive aprons<\/strong> for medical imaging<\/strong> personnel or clothing that can warn people about excessive sunlight exposure<\/strong> and reduce the risk of skin cancer<\/strong>. Among the bacteria reproduced at ASCUS – Art and Science Lab<\/strong>, there are common species that can even be found in the bathroom. This approach carries the potential to make garment dyeing more sustainable<\/strong>, countering the risk of synthetic dyes<\/strong> polluting water sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The next phase of the project aims to test it during a space journey<\/strong>. Pigmented Space Pioneers<\/strong> plans to send the first piece of fabric to space<\/strong> in February 2026<\/strong> in collaboration with an Edinburgh<\/strong>-based space startup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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