Overview

iGEM is dedicated to the responsible pursuit of synthetic biology research, and our team took this philosophy to heart. Safety was not an afterthought but the foundation upon which all aspects of our wet lab activities were conceived. Our comprehensive approach gave our team members and the public a safe environment, allowing us to pursue innovation with integrity and confidence.

1. Team Safety Training and Supervision

Before setting foot in the lab, all members completed an online safety course. This included watching instructional videos and passing a comprehensive test on laboratory safety protocols, administered and verified by our wet lab instructor. In addition, we held dedicated education meetings with our Biosafety Committee, composed of our three supervising biology teachers. These sessions provided a forum for discussing specific protocols, answering questions, and practicing safe techniques in person.

Specifically, our training content was covered:

1. Proper pipette operation and aseptic techniques.

2. Protocols for bacterial culture, specifically for non-pathogenic E. coli strains.

3. Safe handling, storage, and disposal of common chemical reagents.

4. Proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and emergency procedures.

2. Laboratory Safety & Operations

We conducted our research in a general microbiology laboratory, adhering to strict operational guidelines to minimize risk.

1. Lab coats were mandatory to protect skin and personal clothing.

2. Disposable gloves were worn when handling any biological or chemical material.

3. Safety goggles were required, especially when handling volatile or hazardous chemicals.

4. Masks were used during procedures that risked generating aerosols.

5. Closed-toe, chemical-resistant shoes were required to prevent injuries from spills or sharp objects.

6. All chemicals were clearly labeled with content, concentration, and risk information. Flammables were stored in a dedicated fire cabinet, and expired reagents were strictly avoided.

7. When operating centrifuge, samples are correctly balanced to prevent equipment damage or sample splashing.

8. Devices are checked for damage and contact with water before use to prevent electric shock.

9. Chemical waste, biological waste (like bacterial media), and sharp objects were disposed of in designated containers and never poured down drains, preventing environmental contamination.

10. Eating and drinking were strictly prohibited in the lab. Handwashing with soap and water was mandatory after every experiment, even when gloves were worn.

3. Biosafety and Risk Management

In full accordance with the iGEM Safety Policy, our project was designed with stringent biosafety measures to prevent any unintentional release or misuse.

1. Organisms Used: Our research was strictly limited to non-pathogenic, Safety Level 1 laboratory strains of Escherichia coli (DH5α and BL21)、agrobacterium、bacillus subtilis.

2. Containment: We ensured that all bacteria used in the experiment were not released into the environment. All culture vessels were sealed, and all biological waste was sterilized via autoclaving before disposal.

3. Aseptic Technique: All team members were trained in and strictly followed sterile procedures to prevent cross-contamination of samples and to protect themselves.

4. Risk Management Tools: Our laboratory was equipped with standard safety equipment, including:

• An emergency eyewash station and safety shower.

• A well-stocked first-aid kit.

• Clearly posted emergency contact numbers.

• Spill kits for chemical and biological spills.

4. Ethical Considerations

While our project utilized standard, safe laboratory organisms and posed no direct physical risk to the public or environment, we recognize the broader ethical responsibility of working in synthetic biology. Our team engaged in discussions about the potential long-term societal and environmental implications of synthetic biology advancements. We committed to transparent communication about our work to foster public understanding and trust in scientific innovation.

5. Reflection and Conclusion

We are pleased to report that our rigorous adherence to these comprehensive guidelines ensured complete safety throughout our wet laboratory experiments. No safety incidents or hazards occurred during the entire project duration. By putting safety first in every decision and action, we created a productive and secure environment that allowed our scientific curiosity to thrive responsibly. We are proud to have upheld the highest safety standards expected by iGEM and the global scientific community.