Safety education and training
Before starting our iGEM project, our team received systematic security training, such as rules of laboratory safety, biosafety, environmental safety, and personal safety. We have learned to use fire extinguishers, fire blankets, high-pressure sterilization pots, clean and disinfect, and medical waste treatment (Fig.1). For the environment, the designed experimental project should not threaten the natural environment, and it is not allowed to dump waste containing bacterial liquid. In terms of personal safety, it is necessary to take good personal protection measures, avoid eating or drinking in the laboratory, wear isolation clothes, and masks. We give sincere thanks to Professor Ren from Shandong University for offering the training session.
Fig.1 Related safety facilities
Biosafety Level of Our Laboratory
In order to keep our members from bio-risks, our laboratory is ranked as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) (Fig.2). The BSL-2 laboratory generally handles suitable microorganisms with no potential risk to health, meeting the safety needs of iGEM projects and local safety requirements.
Additionally, all the parts and species we utilized are environmentally friendly, not potentially harmful, or pathogenic to healthy individuals. Before entering the laboratory, everyone can pay attention to the following reminders.
Fig.2 BSL-2 laboratory
Comply with lab operating regulations
In terms of ecological and health issues, biosafety is crucial for preventing exposure to biological hazards or the spread of pathogens. Poor experimental operations and incorrect use of instruments may lead to insufficient safety guarantees. Biosafety measures include regularly reviewing the compliance of laboratory facilities and instruments, implementing strict laboratory safety guidelines, medical waste disposal methods, disinfection and isolation measures, and work behavior requirements (Figure 3). These measures are beneficial in preventing the accidental release of harmful chemicals or engineered organisms.
Fig.3 Measures of biosafety
Safety Project Design
Our iGEM project was designed by choosing a non-pathetic chassis, such as BL21 strain. The parts we have transformed are harmless to hard humans, animals, plants, and the environment. In the proof-of-concept experiment, we did not use dangerous materials. The paper strip sensor we prepared is a cell-free system, so we have not the leakage problem of the strain to the environment. In a word, our project is harmless to human beings and the environment.
Procedure of sterilization of Escherichia coli
All team members have received biosafety training before performing our project. With the requirement for sanitation and epidemic prevention, disinfectants are very important for our laboratory. Lab-specific Chlorination tablet are used to kill the Escherichia coli. Every time we to make sure Escherichia coli completely die after using it. And after we pour into the sewer, the sewer in the laboratory building has another special equipment for sterilization.
We have a careful check to make sure that everything is eligible before we do the experiment. After the check, we will carry out a thorough disinfection to ensure that no bacteria contaminate the laboratory. After we finish the experiment, we will carefully store the experimental results in the designated place, and carry out a thorough sterilization for useless engineered bacteria plate before put them into medical waste bin.
Laboratory safety
Each member strictly followed the criteria during the entire experiment, as follow: When electric heaters and microwaves are used, it should not be left without supervision. Our laboratory is also well equipped with fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets to make sure that the fire could be extinguished within a short time (Fig.4).
Our safety instructor has trained everyone how to use this extinguishing equipment. We have also studied the using method of alcohol lamp, eyewash equipment and other essential safety procedures.
Bacteria should be operated in laminar flow hood to secure isolating from environment. Wastes containing living organisms should be autoclaved before throwing into medical wastes bins, and transfer to a certain institution for disposal. Glass apparatus should be disinfected regularly. Rubber gloves, lab coats, long pants, and shoes should be equipped to cover the entire skin when doing experiment. Water, fire, electricity, and air conditioner should be examined whenever an experiment is suspended. The laboratory is cleaned and disinfected once a week and at necessary conditions.
Fig.4 Firefighting access and fire-fighting facilities and equipment
Laboratory safety related facility
In order to ensure safety, our laboratory is equipped with advanced instruments (Fig.5), including dangerous goods safety cabinet, spray and eye wash equipment. We also set trashes especially for polluted wastes. And we have medical bins containing some certain medical wastes at any time.
Fig.5 Safety facilities and equipment
Safe Laboratory Work
We wear isolation clothing, gloves and shoe covers before entering the laboratory. Clean and disinfect the laboratory before and after the experiment. Wear goggles when working in the laboratory. Operate the strain in the biosafety cabinet. The strains used in the laboratory are autoclaved before being put into the medical waste bin. After the experiment, put the gloves and shoe covers into the medical waste. Take off the isolation clothes, clean and disinfect the hands, and then leave the laboratory. We did not perform any unusual experiments, and face any unusual safety issues.