Novel Biodegradable Food Packaging Material, Phase I

As manned-space exploration missions are pursued further beyond low-Earth orbit, such as to the Moon or Mars, crewmembers must be supplied with good quality food to provide a complete diet over a period of three years or more. Current food-packaging materials result in major solid-waste management issues. Novel food packaging materials that will eliminate or reduce solid waste while preserving the quality of the food are required for long-term space travel and stay. Materials Modification, Inc. (MMI) proposes to develop a biodegradable packaging material that can be used to transport and store foodstuff during extended space travel and stay. A nanocomposite will be developed that will be mechanically strong, resistant to microbes and possess good barrier properties during period of use, biodegradable beyond the useful period, and microwave-safe.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.