BloomBiota was designed with safety in mind. In order to minimize both risk in the lab and risk for potential future users, we centered our project around two non-pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli - E. coli DH5-alpha and E. coli Nissle 1917. E. coli DH5-alpha was intended to be a proof of concept lab model to see if the plasmid could be taken up by E. coli, and E. coli Nissle 1917 was intended to be the actual strain used as a probiotic.

The non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917, also known as EcN, has undergone extensive research due to its probiotic attributes (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). According to the findings presented in the source, the recommended colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g) for a single capsule is 10^8 CFU/g (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). Extensive clinical trials and scientific investigations have provided insights into its intended applications and safety profile (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). Notably, EcN has proven effective in alleviating chronic constipation, with a standard daily dosage typically comprising the consumption of three EcN capsules (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). This therapeutic approach has demonstrated promising results in normalizing intestinal functions and enhancing bowel movement frequency, presenting a potential solution for individuals dealing with constipation issues. Furthermore, research has explored the utility of EcN in preventing chronic diarrhea, especially in infants and toddlers (Henker et al., 2007). The recommended dosing regimen varies based on age, with infants typically taking one capsule per day, toddlers two capsules per day, and older children three capsules daily (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). Clinical trials involving EcN have reported rare adverse drug reactions, with no serious issues noted. The most commonly observed side effect is occasional flatulence or gas, which tends to diminish with lower dosages (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). Impressively, EcN has exhibited remarkable tolerance even at high doses of up to nine capsules daily, approximately equivalent to 10^11 CFU/g (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). This tolerance extends to high-risk groups, such as infants with underdeveloped intestinal mucosal barriers, who experienced no adverse reactions when consuming 1 ml EcN capsule (10^8 CFU/g) daily (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009). Furthermore, studies on newborns have consistently highlighted their tolerance to EcN, which appears to promote the development of both their gut microbiome and immune system (Sonnenborn & Schulze, 2009).

The University of Guelph takes safety seriously, and iGEM Guelph upholds and advocates for this value. All members of the iGEM Guelph wet lab team, and anyone else with access to our lab space were required to complete several courses, including EHS WHMIS, EHS Laboratory Safety, EHS Worker Health and Safety Awareness, and EHS Biosafety (Investigative Staff). While iGEM Guelph only works with biosafety-level 1 organisms, we operate in a biosafety level-2 lab, fully equipped with a shower, eyewash station, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and proper disposal systems for biohazardous waste and broken glass.

This year, in advance of it being required by the University of Guelph, iGEM Guelph proactively required all members, regardless of team, to complete both the “Principles of Belonging: Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism” and “Sexual and Gender Based Violence Awareness Training Module for Students” courses. iGEM Guelph strongly believes in an inclusive, safe space for everyone regardless of religion, sexuality, gender, or race and including these modules in our mandatory training was very much in line with our views.

Henker, J., Laass, M., Blokhin, B. M., Bolbot, Y. K., Maydannik, V. G., Elze, M., Wolff, C., & Schulze, J. (2007). The probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) stops acute diarrhoea in infants and toddlers. European Journal of Pediatrics, 166(4), 311–318. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-007-0419-x

Sonnenborn, U., & Schulze, J. (2009). The non-pathogenicEscherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 – features of a versatile probiotic. Microbial Ecology in Health and Disease, 21(3-4), 122–158. https://doi.org/10.3109/08910600903444267