Este and Fasano, Italy | May 27, 2026 – REA Space, an innovator in wearable systems for human space exploration, and Biocompatibility Innovation (BCI), a pioneer in biostealth technology for medical devices, today announced the successful completion of the first phase of antibacterial testing on REA Space’s next-generation space suit materials incorporating BCI’s plant-based technology.
The testing evaluated materials for use in advanced space suits developed by REA Space in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) for future missions. These space suits are designed to support astronaut health, safety, and performance during missions in extreme environments.
Initial testing showed that BCI’s anti-adhesive technology reduced bacterial contaminants by over 99.99999% (> log 7) in REA’s materials, while maintaining garment hygiene – an essential requirement for crewed missions where laundering and replacement are not feasible. BCI’s plant-based technology is designed as a safer alternative to conventional antibacterial treatments.
“These results confirm that integrating BCI’s technology into our materials can significantly reduce the presence of bacteria without compromising performance or technical characteristics,” said Flavio Gentile, CEO of REA Space. “Protecting astronaut health and skin integrity over extended durations is critical, especially when garments cannot be changed or laundered. This collaboration supports our goal of delivering safe, reliable, and high-performance space suits for human exploration.”
“Completing this first phase of testing is a major validation of our technology,” said Alessandro Gandaglia, CEO of Biocompatibility Innovation. “Our technology keeps surfaces effectively safe and free of bacteria even in demanding environments, including space. It also marks an important step in extending our platform beyond biomedical applications to support human health in entirely new contexts.”
Following this initial phase, the collaboration will move forward with further testing to validate long-term performance under expanded environmental and operational conditions, including extended wear, supporting future certification for use in space exploration.
In parallel, integrating BCI’s antibacterial technology into textile systems opens opportunities for terrestrial applications, particularly in high-performance sectors such as motorsport and elite sports, where hygiene, skin integrity, and prolonged wear are critical. This approach reinforces REA Space’s strategy of translating space-driven innovation into solutions that enhance human performance and safety on Earth.
About Biocompatibility Innovation (BCI)
Biocompatibility Innovation is a pioneer in biostealth technology for medical devices and life support equipment. Its technology is engineered to enhance biocompatibility, extend device lifespan, and improve durability, helping reduce healthcare costs while supporting better patient outcomes and improved quality of life. BCI’s scalable platform leverages pharmaceutical-grade, plant-based molecules to protect prosthetic materials.
About REA Space
REA Space is an Italian aerospace startup founded in 2022, specializing in the design, research and development of next-generation space suits and advanced wearable systems for both orbital and terrestrial applications. The company’s mission is to enable humans to perform at their best in extreme conditions, by merging innovation, safety, and sustainability.