Safety is the foremost priority in all our experimental procedures. Our team strictly adheres to established safety guidelines covering personnel, instruments, materials, biosafety, and product safety. Before initiating any experiment, all team members received comprehensive safety training from our instructor, including the correct operation of equipment and emergency response measures.
- No eating, drinking, or smoking is permitted in the laboratory.
- Lab coats and gloves must be worn at all times.
- Safety goggles are required when handling chemicals, performing sonication, or conducting reactions that may generate splashes or aerosols.
- Long hair must be tied back, and loose clothing and jewelry should be avoided.
- Medical waste bins are used for the disposal of biohazard materials; chemical and biological wastes are segregated and discarded according to safety protocols.
Proper and safe operation of instruments is critical, before operating the instrument, we carefully read the operating procedures and precautions of the instrument.
•Centrifuges:
- Tubes must be balanced before operation to avoid rotor damage or accidents.
- Use appropriate rotors and tubes rated for the intended speed.
•Autoclaves:
- Be cautious of high pressure and temperature.
- Do not open immediately after operation; allow time for cooling and pressure release.
•Ultrasonic Crushers:
- Ear protection is required during use to prevent hearing damage.
- Ensure the instrument is properly grounded and used in a well-ventilated area.
•Thermostatic Shakers:
- Secure lid fastenings to prevent leakage.
- Avoid overloading and ensure stable placement.
•Fume Hoods:
- Confirm adequate airflow before use.
- Perform all volatile or toxic chemical operations under the hood.
We prioritize the use of low-toxicity and non-hazardous reagents where possible:
•Nucleic Acid Dye:
- We use YeaGreen instead of ethidium bromide—it is non-mutagenic and much safer.
•SDS-PAGE Polymerizer:
- A low-toxicity variant is used to reduce exposure risks.
•TMB (Tetramethylbenzidine):
- Potential carcinogen; always handled in a fume hood with gloves and goggles.
•Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂):
- May be explosive at high concentrations; stored in a dark, cool place away from combustibles.
- Use pre-mixed diluted solutions to minimize risks.
•High-Risk Reagents:
- Chloroauric acid and chloroplatinic acid are highly toxic, causing severe burns and heavy metal poisoning. They are handled only in fume hoods with double gloves and protective goggles.
- All synthesis and reactions involving these materials are performed using automated liquid handlers where possible to minimize exposure.
•Chemical Storage & Disposal:
- All chemicals are clearly labeled and stored according to compatibility and hazard class.
- Waste is collected in designated containers and disposed of via certified hazardous waste management protocols.
•Strains Used:
- Non-pathogenic strains: E. coli DH5ɑ(cloning) and BL21(DE3) (expression).
- These are classified as Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1), posing minimal threat to healthy humans.
•Genetic Parts:
- All genetic constructs are based on commonly used and well-characterized parts (e.g., T7 promoter, His-tag) with no toxin genes or known virulence factors.
•Safety Practices:
- All bacterial work is performed on a clean bench using aseptic techniques.
- Used tips, tubes, and plates are autoclaved before disposal.
- No recombinant DNA or genetically modified organisms are removed from the lab without authorization.
•Engineered Nanomaterials:
- AuPt nanoparticles and nanoflowers are synthesized and handled with extreme caution given their small size and potential reactivity.
•Exposure Control:
- Operations are conducted in closed systems or fume hoods.
- Continuous air monitoring is used in nanomaterial work areas.
•Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- N95 masks or respirators are worn when handling dry nanomaterials.
- All nanomaterial waste is collected in sealed, labeled containers and processed as hazardous solid waste.
We are committed to ensuring that both the research process and any resulting products are safe for users and the environment:
- All protein products (e.g., TFP, gp17) are derived from non-pathogenic sources.
- The final detection system is designed to be non-toxic and user-safe, avoiding hazardous reporters wherever possible.
- Before any real-sample application (e.g., in food or environmental testing), all components are validated for safety and stability.
