"Safety first, always—our science shines only when protected."
Safety is the cornerstone of responsible synthetic biology research. Our project strictly adheres to all iGEM safety requirements and international biosafety standards. We have implemented comprehensive safety measures at every stage of our project, from design to execution, ensuring the protection of our team members, the environment, and the broader community.
This page details our approach to managing biological, chemical, and physical risks, as well as the security considerations we have integrated into our project design. All our work is conducted under proper institutional oversight and follows established safety protocols.
We strictly comply with all iGEM safety rules and policies throughout our project. Below are the key policies we adhere to:
We cannot release or deploy any genetically modified organisms outside the lab. We must Check In before bringing any product of synthetic biology outside of the lab. All our engineered bacteria are maintained in strictly controlled laboratory environments with appropriate containment measures.
We must Check In before beginning experiments with any organism, part, or activity that is not on the White List. All organisms and parts used in our project are verified against the iGEM White List before experimentation begins.
Testing our project on humans (including ourselves) is strictly prohibited. We must check in before beginning any laboratory experiments involving humans or human samples. All our validation work uses approved cell lines and follows proper protocols for handling human-derived materials.
We must Check In and submit an Animal Use Form before beginning any experiments involving animals or animal samples. Our project does not involve live animal experiments; we only use established cell lines derived from animal sources following proper protocols.
Human Subjects Research: All surveys, interviews, and public engagement activities are conducted in accordance with relevant laws, regulations, and institutional guidelines.
Antimicrobial Resistance: We Check In before experiments that might increase antimicrobial resistance risks. Our project does not introduce novel resistance factors.
Gene Drive: Our project does not involve gene drive technology.
Coronavirus Work: We do not work with live SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Environmental Samples: Any parts or organisms obtained from outside the lab are properly checked in and validated before use.
| Organism/Material | Biosafety Level | Purpose | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| E. coli DH5α | Level 1 | Cloning and plasmid amplification | Standard BSL-1 containment |
| E. coli BL21(DE3) | Level 1 | Protein expression | Standard BSL-1 containment |
| pUC19 vector | Level 1 | Cloning vector | Standard molecular biology protocols |
| pET28-TRACER | Level 1 | Expression vector | Standard molecular biology protocols |
| Caco-2 cells | Level 2 | Human colon adenocarcinoma model | BSL-2 cabinet, PPE required |
| L929 cells | Level 1 | Rat fibroblast model | Standard cell culture protocols |
| HUVEC cells | Level 2 | Human endothelial cell model | BSL-2 cabinet, PPE required |
According to the World Health Organization Laboratory Biosafety Manual, the risks involved in this project's experiments are assessed as Level 2 (Low Risk). The biosafety levels of all organisms and experimental materials do not exceed Level 2, with most being Level 1.
In China, all laboratories must be certified by relevant regulatory authorities. Our laboratory complies with LST EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 standards and all local regulations. Before entering the laboratory, all team members receive comprehensive safety training.
All team members must complete the following training before beginning laboratory work:
Proper waste disposal is crucial for biosafety and environmental protection. We follow strict protocols based on Chinese regulations and international standards.
Our waste management procedures comply with: