At the core of our project lies a steadfast commitment to safety, which is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our work, including hardware development, engineering implementation, and educational outreach. This holistic approach ensures that safety is not just a consideration but a fundamental principle guiding our progress.
We have set a clear overarching goal: to uphold the highest standards of safety at every stage of our project. This means adhering strictly to the iGEM safety guidelines, which provide a comprehensive framework for conducting synthetic biology research responsibly. In addition to these guidelines, we also comply rigorously with biosafety regulations and engineering safety standards. These regulations and standards are in place to protect both the environment and human health, and we view them as essential tools for ensuring that our work is conducted in a manner that is both ethical and sustainable.
By embedding safety into the fabric of our project, we aim to create a culture of responsibility and awareness that extends beyond our immediate team. We believe that this commitment to safety is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to demonstrate best practices in synthetic biology and engineering. Through our educational efforts, we hope to inspire and educate others about the importance of safety in scientific research and innovation.
In summary, our safety philosophy is a comprehensive and unwavering commitment to ensuring that all our activities are conducted with the utmost regard for safety. This commitment is reflected in our adherence to iGEM safety guidelines, biosafety regulations, and engineering safety standards, and it serves as a guiding principle in all our endeavors.
We have selected Escherichia coli strain PET28a as our chassis organism due to its well-documented safety profile and widespread use in laboratory settings. This strain is non-pathogenic and is specifically engineered for high-level expression of recombinant proteins, making it an ideal choice for our project.
All genetic elements used in our project are sourced from reputable libraries, including the iGEM standard parts collection. These parts have been thoroughly vetted to ensure they are free from any toxic or pathogenic elements. We have meticulously reviewed each genetic component to confirm their safety and functionality, thereby eliminating any potential risks associated with harmful sequences.
To ensure the integrity and safety of our biological samples, we adhere to a strict protocol for low-temperature storage at -80°C. This includes:
Preparation and Labeling: Samples are prepared in cryogenic vials and clearly labeled with essential information, including the sample name, date of storage, and a unique identifier. Each vial is also marked with the project name and handler initials for enhanced traceability.
Storage Conditions: Samples are gradually cooled to -80°C to prevent thermal shock. The freezer is regularly monitored to maintain consistent temperatures, and samples are stored in an organized manner for easy retrieval.
Thawing and Handling: When samples need to be retrieved, they are carefully removed using insulated gloves. Thawing is performed gradually in an ice bath to prevent damage. Thawed samples are handled in a biosafety cabinet with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.
Our fermentation device is designed to ensure safety during synthetic biology experiments, focusing on containment, sterilization, and proper handling of biological materials. We use non-toxic, biocompatible materials to construct the device, ensuring it is safe for use in laboratory settings.
The fermentation device is thoroughly sterilized before and after each use, ensuring all components are free from contaminants. It is designed to securely contain biological materials, with all connections equipped with filters and fittings to prevent contamination. We use non-toxic, biocompatible materials like PAHT-CF for the 3D-printed lid, ensuring durability and safety during sterilization and operation.
All operations are performed using aseptic techniques, including the use of gloves, PPE, and a biosafety cabinet. The device facilitates sterile sampling and nutrient addition through dedicated ports to prevent cross-contamination.
After each experiment, the device is decontaminated, with waste disposed of according to biohazard protocols. It is then cleaned and sterilized again to ensure any residual biological materials are inactivated.
Comprehensive training on aseptic techniques and sterilization procedures is provided to all users. Clear guidelines are in place for safely shutting down the device in case of incidents.
Figure 1: Sterilization of homemade fermentation equipment after each test to ensure no residual biological materials.
Our educational outreach program is designed to introduce students to the principles and applications of synthetic biology while ensuring their safety at all times. This document outlines the safety measures we implement during our educational activities.
Non-Laboratory Settings: All lectures and theoretical explanations are conducted in non-experimental areas, such as classrooms or auditoriums, to ensure a safe environment for learning.
Clear Instructions: Detailed and clear instructions are provided to students to ensure they understand the concepts without exposure to any laboratory hazards.
Safe Equipment: For hands-on activities, we use brand-new, non-hazardous equipment, such as disposable pipettes, to ensure safety.
Proper Guidance: All activities are supervised by trained instructors who provide step-by-step guidance to ensure students handle equipment correctly and safely.
Training for Instructors: Instructors undergo comprehensive training on safety protocols to ensure they can effectively guide students.
Emergency Protocols: Clear guidelines are in place for handling any unexpected incidents during educational activities.
Figure 2: Guiding students to understand laboratory principles safely through theoretical explanations in a classroom setting.
To ensure the safety of all team members, we conduct mandatory basic training that covers essential safety topics:
iGEM Safety Guidelines: All team members are thoroughly trained on the iGEM safety protocols to ensure compliance and awareness.
Laboratory Escape Routes: Familiarization with emergency exits and evacuation procedures to ensure quick and safe exits in case of emergencies.
Safety Equipment Usage: Training on the proper use of fire extinguishers and eyewash stations to handle potential hazards effectively.
Emergency Response: Basic first aid training for common risks, including applying cold compresses for burns and cutting off power in case of electric shock.
All personnel are required to wear appropriate lab coats and protective gear when in the lab. This includes:
Lab Coats: Wearing lab coats at all times to protect clothing and skin from chemical spills and biological materials.
Gloves: Using gloves to prevent direct contact with hazardous materials.
Closed-Toe Shoes: Ensuring all team members wear closed-toe shoes to protect feet from spills and dropped items.
Figure 3: Demonstrating correct lab attire (lab coat, gloves) and aseptic operations to ensure safety during experiments.
Our commitment to safety is reflected in our comprehensive training programs and strict adherence to proper attire and PPE usage. These measures ensure that all team members are well-prepared to handle emergencies and work safely in the laboratory environment.
From biological sample management to hardware sterilization, from educational outreach to personnel training, safety remains the core principle guiding every decision we make. By upholding iGEM safety guidelines, biosafety regulations, and engineering safety standards, we not only protect ourselves and the environment but also set a benchmark for responsible synthetic biology research.