Safety and Security for WIST iGEM 2025 Project

Introduction

The WIST iGEM 2025 team is committed to conducting our project with the highest standards of safety and security, ensuring the protection of team members, the community, and the environment. Our project, the RiceGuard Arsenic Biosensor, utilizes a cell-free protein synthesis system to detect arsenic in rice extracts and environmental samples. This document outlines our adherence to iGEM’s safety and security policies, details our risk assessment and management strategies, and describes the measures implemented to mitigate potential hazards associated with our laboratory work, with Mercury(II) chloride removed from our chemical list.

Compliance with iGEM Safety and Security Policies

The WIST team adheres strictly to iGEM’s safety and security rules, ensuring that our project aligns with responsible scientific practices. We confirm the following:

  • Prohibited Activities: We are not engaging in any prohibited activities, such as using Risk Group 3 or 4 organisms, releasing genetically modified organisms, or testing products on humans. Our project exclusively uses a cell-free system (Nebexpress Cell-Free Protein Synthesis System), eliminating risks associated with live organisms.
  • White List Compliance: All organisms and parts used, including Escherichia coli DH5α for plasmid propagation and synthetic plasmids from Twist Bioscience, are covered by iGEM’s White List. No activities requiring advance permission (e.g., animal use, gene drives, or human experimentation) are planned.
  • Human Subjects Research: Our project does not involve collecting data from human subjects, such as surveys or medical information, ensuring compliance with ethical research standards.

Laboratory Safety

Laboratory Environment

Our laboratory work is conducted in two facilities:

  1. National Chung Shin University, Department of Life Sciences: Under the supervision of Professor Chieh-Chen Huang, Ph.D., this Biosafety Level 1 (BSL-1) laboratory specializes in synthetic biology and microbiology. It is equipped with biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, and chemical fume hoods to manage biological and chemical risks.
  2. WIST School Laboratory: An IB-certified chemistry lab, also operating at BSL-1, used for basic preparatory work and equipped with standard safety features.

We utilize biosafety cabinets for handling biological materials and chemical fume hoods for preparing solutions containing hazardous chemicals, ensuring containment and sterile conditions. All waste is autoclaved or chemically treated before disposal, in accordance with institutional protocols.

Hazardous Chemicals

Our project involves the use of several hazardous chemicals for specificity testing and biosensor validation, with Mercury(II) chloride removed from the list:

  • Sodium (meta)arsenite (NaAsO₂) and Sodium hydrogen arsenate (Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O):Classified as heavy metals, Group 1 carcinogens, mutagens, and highly toxic (GHS Category 1-2). Used in microgram-scale diluted solutions to minimize exposure risks.
  • Lead(II) nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂): A heavy metal, probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2A), mutagen, and oxidizer (GHS Category 4). Stored securely to avoid fire risks.
  • Copper(II) sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O): A heavy metal with moderate toxicity (GHS Category 4) and potential environmental impact. Used in diluted forms to reduce irritation risks.
  • Ferric chloride (FeCl₃·6H₂O): Highly corrosive (GHS Category 1B), requiring careful handling to prevent burns or equipment damage.

To mitigate risks, we:

  • Prepare highly diluted stock solutions in chemical fume hoods to eliminate dust or aerosol risks.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and eye protection.
  • Follow strict waste management protocols, ensuring chemical waste is neutralized and disposed of according to Taiwan’s Environmental Protection Administration regulations.

Biosecurity Measures

Biocontainment

As our project employs a cell-free system, no live engineered organisms are used, inherently eliminating risks of environmental release or autonomous spread. The only live organism, E. coli DH5α, is used solely for plasmid propagation under BSL-1 conditions and is not genetically modified. All biological waste is autoclaved, and laboratory access is restricted to trained personnel, with inventory controls tracking all materials.

Dual-Use Considerations

While the risk of dual-use is low, we acknowledge the theoretical possibility that our biosensor technology could be misused to concentrate toxic metals. To address this:

  • We restrict detailed protocol sharing to iGEM’s secure parts registry.
  • We emphasize the biosensor’s public health benefits in all communications.
  • We engage stakeholders, such as farmers and regulatory agencies, to promote responsible use and raise awareness about arsenic contamination.

Risk Assessment

Identified Hazards

Our risk assessment identified the following potential hazards, updated to reflect the removal of Mercury(II) chloride:

  • Human Health and Safety: Acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity from handling arsenic and lead compounds during biosensor testing. Corrosive chemicals like ferric chloride pose risks of burns or irritation. Lead(II) nitrate’s oxidizing properties could contribute to fire hazards if mishandled.
  • Environmental Hazards: Improper disposal of chemical waste containing arsenic or lead could contaminate water or soil, harming ecosystems.
  • Laboratory Personnel Risks: Spills, cross-contamination, or improper cleaning could expose team members to toxic residues. Fire risks from mishandling lead compounds near flammable solvents are also a concern.
  • External Risks: Errors in waste disposal or transport of chemicals (e.g., sodium arsenate) could expose communities or transport personnel to toxic substances.
Risk Mitigation Strategies

To manage these risks, we implement:

  • Proactive Design: The cell-free system eliminates risks associated with live organisms, and microgram-scale chemical use minimizes exposure.
  • Laboratory Protocols: Strict adherence to PPE, biosafety cabinets, and chemical fume hoods prevents accidental exposure. Accident reporting systems and emergency procedures are in place.
  • Waste Management: All chemical and biological waste is treated (neutralized or autoclaved) and disposed of per Taiwan’s environmental regulations.
  • Training: Team members will undergo project-specific safety training in July 2025, covering lab access, biosafety levels, microbial techniques, chemical safety, and emergency procedures.
  • Expert Guidance: We consult Professor Yuan-Yu Chang (Microbiology, Toxicology) and Professor Yu-Fan Liu (Biochemistry, Lab Safety) at Chung Shan Medical University, as well as the university’s Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), for ongoing risk management support.

Expert Support

We are supported by:

  • Professor Huang and Dr. Lo, Department of Life Science, National Chung Shin University

Regulatory Compliance

Our work complies with:

  • Taiwan CDC Regulations: Governing recombinant DNA, infectious materials, and Biological Select Agents and Toxins, requiring IBC oversight.
  • Chung Shan Medical University Guidelines: The IBC and Environmental Safety and Health Center enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab safety, including mandatory training and waste management protocols.
  • Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration: Regulates disposal of hazardous chemical waste to prevent environmental contamination.

Future Risk Considerations

For future real-world applications, such as field testing or commercialization of the RiceGuard biosensor, we anticipate the need for:

  • nstitutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Approval: To ensure safe handling during field trials.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to U.S. EPA, FDA, or equivalent standards in Taiwan (e.g., Council of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment) for environmental and food safety applications.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Continued consultation with farmers, manufacturers, and parents to address concerns and ensure responsible use.

Conclusion

The WIST iGEM 2025 team is dedicated to maintaining the highest safety and security standards. By utilizing a cell-free system, adhering to strict laboratory protocols, consulting expert advisors, and complying with national and institutional regulations, we mitigate risks associated with hazardous chemicals and ensure no environmental or health hazards arise. Our planned safety training in July 2025 and ongoing stakeholder engagement further reinforce our commitment to responsible innovation, aligning with iGEM’s mission to advance safe and secure synthetic biology.

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