Authors: AGXX (by EurA AG) – original article
A new and sophisticated approach to crop management, backed by technology from space and facilitated by Germany’s ESA Technology Broker, ensures high-quality harvests throughout the year.
As the world population increases and climate change accelerates, the need for innovative agricultural solutions is becoming increasingly important. Driven by the global requirement for sustainable fresh-food production, indoor growing and vertical farming have progressed significantly.
Heidelberg-based company Aponix offers modular components used for vertical urban farming, enabling the cultivation of a variety of crops at high density in an ecologically beneficial way. In a recent trial, the company successfully integrated AGXX into its product line, which prevents the formation of biofilm and bacterial growth. Provided by Hereaus Precious Metals, AGXX is an antimicrobial coating technology, originally tested and researched on the International Space Station (ISS). In contrast with conventional technologies, which release metal ions for anti-microbial effects, AGXX uses a redox reaction and microelectric field effects. The antimicrobial efficacy is currently tested against 130 microorganisms, notably including silver-resistant E. coli strains.
The partnership between Aponix and Heraeus Precious Metals was facilitated by EurA AG, the ESA Broker for Germany, which specialises in technology transfer from space. Aponix approached EurA AG with the aim of further strengthening its position in the agricultural industry and enhancing its farming practices. EurA AG recognised a solution involving the transfer of the AGXX technology used in space and initiated the ESA Spark Funding process.
The AGXX technology was developed due to the necessity to control and maintain sterile environments in space, such as onboard the ISS, where germs are introduced with the arrival of each new astronaut. ISS Modules designed using the technology proved successful in preventing microorganisms attaching to surfaces, maintaining a sterile environment, and reducing the need for frequent disinfection. This technology is now being used towards increasing food security in urban and vertical farming practices.
Photo credit: aponix GmbH
Authors: AGXX (by EurA AG) – original article