Safety Overview
Safety is our top priority. As an iGEM team, we are committed to maintaining a secure laboratory environment and ensuring that our work poses no risk to ourselves, the community, or the environment.
Our experiments exclusively used non-virulent strains of E. coli (XL1-Blue and BL21(DE3)), which are included on the iGEM whitelist and do not require additional ethics approval or special containment. All laboratory work was carried out in a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) laboratory, under the supervision of our Principal Investigator, Dr. Anatoliy Markiv.
We minimized the use of toxic reagents whenever possible and implemented strict adherence to safety guidelines throughout the project.
Laboratory Safety Practices
- All team members completed biosafety and equipment training before starting laboratory work.
- Personal protective equipment (lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and closed-toe shoes) was worn at all times.
- Food and drink were strictly prohibited inside the laboratory.
- Team members followed Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines, including:
- Proper handling and disposal of biological material.
- Careful use of equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
- Mandatory handwashing before and after experiments.
- All experiments were carefully documented in a laboratory notebook to ensure reproducibility, accuracy, and traceability.
Equipment and Training
Our wet lab work required the use of specialized instruments. In particular, for the BMG Labtech Fluostar, team members received training directly from BMG Labtech experts before first use.
Additionally, during the initial planning stage of the project, our PI provided a comprehensive safety briefing, introducing the team to general lab safety, biosafety measures, and precautions for working with genetically modified organisms.
Emergency Preparedness
All lab members were trained to respond appropriately in case of emergencies such as fire, gas leaks, or chemical spills. Clear fire escape routes were established, and a designated safe assembly point was assigned for evacuation.