Prior to the commencement of our project experiments, we received safety training from the laboratory administrator and thoroughly studied the laboratory safety protocols. The specific regulations are as follows:
1. Personal Protective Equipment: When entering the laboratory, it is mandatory to wear protective equipment such as laboratory coats, masks, and gloves in a standardized manner. For special experiments, wear gas masks, fire - resistant clothing, etc. as required.
2. Experimental Operation Specifications: Before starting an experiment, get familiar with the experimental procedures, the usage methods of instruments, and potential risks. Operate strictly in accordance with the operating procedures. When handling hazardous substances or conducting complex experiments, carry out the operations under the guidance of a supervisor.
3. Chemical Management: Understand the properties of chemicals and store them in categories. Strongly corrosive, flammable, explosive, and toxic chemicals should be stored in special cabinets and managed by designated personnel. Keep strict records of their access. When using them, conduct operations in well - ventilated areas to avoid skin contact and inhaling volatile gases.
4. Instrument and Equipment Use: Check whether the instruments are in normal condition before use. Operate in accordance with the instruction manuals and perform regular maintenance. If a malfunction is detected, report it in a timely manner. It is prohibited to disassemble or repair the instruments without permission.
5. Electrical Safety: Do not randomly connect or pull electrical wires. Use qualified electrical equipment. Do not touch electrical appliances with wet hands and turn off electrical equipment in a timely manner after use.
6. Fire and Explosion Prevention: Open flames are prohibited in the laboratory. Use heating equipment when heating is required. Keep flammable and explosive items away from fire sources and heat sources. Equip the laboratory with fire - fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets and be familiar with their usage methods.
7. Biosafety: When conducting experiments involving biological samples, abide by the biosafety regulations. Properly handle the samples to prevent contamination.
8. Environmental Hygiene: Keep the laboratory clean and tidy. Classify, collect, and store experimental waste as required, and dispose of it properly instead of discarding it randomly.
9. Emergency Handling: In case of an accident, immediately stop the experiment, activate the emergency plan, report it in a timely manner, and act as instructed.
10. Personnel Management: Non - experimental personnel are not allowed to enter the laboratory without permission. Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in the laboratory. Experimental personnel are not allowed to leave their posts without permission.
In our project, the experimental strains used are E. coli DH5α and BL21(DE3), which are included in the iGEM White List and pose no risk to humans, the environment, or society. Throughout the experiment, all E. coli strains will be strictly confined to the laboratory and will not be removed. Medical waste containing E. coli will be sterilized and subsequently handed over to the China Agricultural University laboratory for unified disposal.
In the future, we plan to implement biosafety switches—such as using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to cleave essential gene loci in the strains—to enhance safety and operational convenience.
Our final product is a plastic-degrading enzyme, which is essentially a protein capable of degrading PET plastic. It is important to note that the enzyme will not be released into marine or terrestrial environments. Therefore, it will not disrupt ecological balance or cause environmental pollution.
Standardization Administration of China (SAC)
Official Website (http://www.sac.gov.cn/)
Ministry
of Emergency Management of China (MEM) Official Website (https://www.mem.gov.cn/)
National
Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC) Official Website (http://www.nhc.gov.cn/)