Introduction

Safety serves as the cornerstone of innovation. At iGEM, safeguarding a secure laboratory environment is not merely a rule but also a fundamental responsibility. Our team places the highest priority on safety by strictly complying with iGEM's safety framework and international biosafety standards. We are committed to protecting team members, the general public, and the environment, while ensuring that our research is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.

Team Safety Training and Guidance

Before entering the laboratory, all team members completed mandatory safety training, which covered:

• Emergency procedures and first aid techniques.
• Proper operation and usage of laboratory equipment
• Safe handling of hazardous materials
• Biosafety and biosecurity awareness and protocols

This training was delivered by our supervisors, who also provided continuous mentorship. Their guidance ensured that we operated instruments correctly, understood potential risks, and could perform procedures such as E. coli and Pichia pastoris transformation, protein induction, and enzyme purification safely and effectively.

Laboratory Safety Practices

Our experiments were conducted at the ATLATL Innovative Research and Development Center, a facility equipped with standard biosafety infrastructure. To sustain a safe working environment, we strictly followed the following protocols:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Lab coats and appropriate protective clothing must be worn at all times while in the laboratory.
• Heat-resistant gloves when handling hot materials
• Eating, drinking, or consuming any food items is strictly prohibited in the laboratory; long hair must be tied back to avoid potential hazards.
• When working with sulfuric acid or dyes, acid-resistant gloves, face masks, and chemical-resistant coats must be worn to ensure personal protection.

Operational Discipline:

• Clear labeling of all chemicals and biological materials
• Symmetrical loading and proper shutdown of centrifuges
• Regular water-level checks and protective handling for water baths
• Power supply turned off before adjusting gels in electrophoresis
• Immediate reporting of accidents, spills, or injuries
• Centrifuge Safety: Always load the rotor symmetrically, ensure the lid is securely closed before operation, and never open the centrifuge until the rotor has completely stopped.
• Water Bath Safety: Regularly check and maintain proper water levels; always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling samples; avoid water spills to prevent burns and electrical hazards.
• Gel Electrophoresis Safety: Ensure the power supply is switched off before adjusting the gel or buffer, and carefully check all cables and connections to prevent electrical shock.

Waste Management:

• Waste separated into biological, chemical, and sharps
• Autoclaving or chemical sterilization before disposal
• Special attention to prevent release of genetically modified organisms

Microbial and Biosafety Considerations

Our project involved recombinant DNA work with E. coli and Pichia pastoris, both of which are classified as Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) organisms. All experiments were conducted under sterile conditions to minimize potential risks. Selective growth of the target microorganisms was ensured using culture media containing antibiotics (Zeocin). Additionally, all laboratory waste was sterilized before disposal to prevent the unintended release or misuse of the recombinant organisms. For the potential application of our research in low-lactose and reduced-sugar dairy production, strict compliance with food safety standards is essential. This includes the complete inactivation or removal of production microorganisms, thorough verification of enzyme activity and purity, and adherence to all relevant food biotechnology regulations and guidelines.

References

iGEM Safety Policies and Guidelines (https://igem.org/safety)

WHO: Lactose Intolerance Global Statistics

NIH Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL), 6th Edition