Safety is a fundamental cornerstone of our project and has been carefully prioritized throughout every stage of our work. From experimental design to laboratory procedures and public engagement, we have ensured that all activities are conducted responsibly, following strict safety guidelines and ethical standards to protect both those involved in the project and the environment.
General Safety
The first phase of our experiments was conducted in a Biosafety Level 1 (BSL1) laboratory, while the second phase, which involved the purification and quantification of our microRNA biomarkers, took place in a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL2) laboratory.
Both laboratories were fully equipped with the necessary safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), eyewash stations, fume hoods, and waste disposal systems, as well as all essential instruments for the safe execution of our experiments.
Lab safety
To ensure safe and responsible laboratory work, we received proper training and guidance from our wet lab advisor and principal investigators (PIs). We strictly follow all established protocols and standard safety procedures during every experiment and we are fully prepared in terms of risk management. This commitment not only helps us obtain accurate and reliable results but also ensures the safety of ourselves and everyone in our laboratory environment.
Device Safety
The future goal of our project is to integrate our biological system into a patch-based diagnostic device. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring that the patch follows all relevant safety guidelines and biosafety standards.
The CRISPR/Cas13a-CHA system used in our project is produced entirely within the laboratory and incorporated into the device in a safe, cell-free form, ensuring that users of the patch will not come into contact with any biological material. This approach ensures that our diagnostic patch is safe, contained, and fully compliant with all biosafety principles.
Biological safety
Antibiotics
Chloramphenicol and Ampicillin were used for selection in transformation. While working with these antibiotics proper safety measures were followed.
UV light
The utilization of UV light was essential for visualizing our electrophoresis results in agarose gels. All safety measures were taken to avoid exposure to UV light.
Native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE
All acrylamide, TEMED, and APS were used during Native-PAGE experiments, and SDS was additionally used in SDS-PAGE. All materials were handled with extreme care, and proper safety measures were followed during all procedures.
Organisms
For our experiments, we used commonly employed laboratory E. coli strains, including NEB Stable and Rosetta cells. All procedures involving these organisms were handled with extreme caution, and all relevant safety protocols were strictly followed.
Plasma samples
During our experiments involving biomarkers, we used plasma samples from 19 patients. All procedures were conducted under the supervision of the laboratory supervisor and all relevant safety protocols were strictly followed.
Ethical Safety
Our biological system and potential diagnostic device were designed with a strong commitment to ethical principles and biosafety. We understand that our project deals with a complex issue that requires both scientific responsibility and social awareness. Throughout our events, information sessions, and overall project presentations, we aim to communicate our goals clearly and avoid any misconceptions.
We also consulted patients and medical experts at every stage of our work, actively incorporating their advice and feedback into our project design. By doing so, we ensured that their voices were heard and that our project reflects both the scientific and human aspects of the problem we aim to address.
It is important for us that not only experts, but also the general public, understand the problem we are addressing and the purpose behind our work.
Environmental Safety
During the experimental stage of our project, we followed a proper waste disposal system and received comprehensive training on environmental safety to ensure that no harm was caused to the environment. All biological materials were handled and discarded according to institutional and biosafety regulations.
Our biological system does not pose any environmental risk. It is designed to function safely under controlled conditions and cannot cause harm to the environment in any way.