Aponix, a company based in Heidelberg, is at the forefront of pioneering innovative crop management through modular components designed for high-density vertical urban farming. Vertical farming, employing stacked layers and artificial lighting, facilitates year-round, eco-friendly crop production, minimising water usage and eliminating pesticides. Positioned in urban areas, it bolsters local production, thereby reducing environmental impacts.
Biofilm formation and bacterial growth pose challenges affecting food security in urban and vertical farming. To address these risks, there is a need to control and maintain sterile environments, particularly in space, such as onboard the ISS, where germs are introduced with the arrival of each new astronaut. For ISS Modules, Heraeus Precious Metals has developed the AGXX technology—an antimicrobial coating technology that prevents biofilm formation and bacterial growth through a redox reaction and microelectric field effects. This method, boasting broad-spectrum antimicrobial capabilities, has undergone rigorous testing onboard the ISS against various microorganisms. The technology has proven successful in preventing microorganisms from attaching to surfaces, thereby maintaining a sterile environment, and reducing the need for frequent disinfection.
Originally devised for space environments, Aponix has now integrated AGXX into the urban and vertical farming environment, contributing significantly to increased food security.
The collaboration between Aponix and Heraeus Precious Metals, facilitated by EurA AG, the ESA Broker for Germany, leverages the ESA Spark Funding process to support this innovative transfer.
