Our project was remarkably safe; wet lab experiments used well-known organisms.
Ssafety with synthetic biology tools and reagents was a high priority in our initial student training.
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Wet Lab Lead: Christian. Maintaining a safe laboratory environment is essential for protecting researchers and ensuring the accuracy of experimental results. As our project involved sensitive materials such as genetically modified bacteria, plasmid vectors, and chemical reagents, our team carefully evaluated the possible risks associated with each stage of our experimental protocols. Throughout each stage of the project, we followed biosafety guidelines and appropriate procedures to ensure the safety of all team members.
Before participating in wet lab experiments, all team members were required to participate in a mandatory safety training, which comprised two sessions of 3 hours each. The training included both lab safety and biosafety education. During the training, members learned about personal protective equipment (PPE), biological hazards, chemical hazards, emergency procedures, and the proper disposal of biological and chemical waste. This was done to ensure all lab members had an understanding of appropriate lab conduct.
During the training, team members were also familiarized with the specific safety equipment in the laboratory, including fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, spill kits, first-aid kits, and biohazard waste containers. The purpose of this training was to ensure that every team member knew how to respond appropriately if an accident occurred in the lab.
Finally, team members who entered the lab were required to sign a consent form stating that they are informed of the potential risks with our project and have received adequate training to assess and respond to these risks in the lab.
Chemicals
The chemicals used in our project are considered low risk and included common laboratory reagents such as Coomassie Blue. Nevertheless, all chemicals were handled carefully and all team members were informed of proper safety procedures in the case of a chemical spill.
Before using a chemical, team members reviewed its label and relevant Safety Data Sheet. PPE was worn when required. All chemical containers were clearly labeled and kept closed when not in use.
If a chemical spill occurred, team members were instructed to notify a supervisor immediately, prevent others from entering the affected area, and follow the appropriate spill-cleanup procedure. Chemical waste was collected separately from biological and general waste.
Biological Materials
Our project used Escherichia coli strains DH5α and BL21(DE3). DH5α was used for plasmid vector propagation, while BL21(DE3) was used to produce the proteins of interest. Both strains are commonly used laboratory strains and are considered suitable for work under Biosafety Level 1 conditions. A 2000 study by Chart et al. investigated the pathogenic properties of DH5α and BL21 and found that neither did not possess pathogenic mechanisms likely to cause disease. The study concluded that these strains are non-pathogenic and unlikely to survive in human tissues.
Standard molecular biology procedures were followed during all steps of our experiment. All biological materials were stored in closed and clearly labeled containers.
Waste Management
Although the bacterial strains used in our project were non-pathogenic, they were genetically modified and therefore required appropriate containment and disposal.
Liquid biological waste was disinfected before disposal according to the laboratory's established procedures. Solid biological waste, including culture plates, contaminated pipette tips, tubes, and gloves, was collected in designated biohazard containers and sterilized before disposal.
Chemical waste was kept separate from biological waste. Used chemical solutions were placed in properly labeled waste containers rather than being poured directly into the sink.
All experiments were performed within the laboratory, and no engineered bacteria were intentionally released into drains, soil, water, or other parts of the environment.
The laboratory was equipped with necessary safety facilities to reduce the risks associated with experimental work.
All team members were required to follow the laboratory dress code. Laboratory coats, long pants, and closed-toe shoes were worn during wet-lab activities. Long hair was tied back. Gloves were used when handling bacterial cultures and chemical reagents. Team members washed their hands before leaving the laboratory.
We engineered three distinct strains of e. coli.
We chose e. coli because it is very well-understood and controllable.
All policies were designed by referring to the iGEM Safety Policies page.