The team members have attained a high level of proficiency in microbiological laboratory safety through rigorous education and training, ensuring the safe conduct of laboratory operations and maintaining a safe laboratory environment.

1. Biosafety Level of Our Laboratory

In compliance with iGEM competition guidelines and local safety regulations, our laboratory is categorized as Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) to mitigate bio-risks（Fig1）. BSL-2 laboratories handle relevant microorganisms without significant pathogenic potential to healthy individuals.

Furthermore, all components and organisms utilized are ecologically benign and pose no potential harm or pathogenicity to health. Prior to entering the laboratory, prominent reminders are displayed.

2. Biosafety Warning

Emphasizing biosafety is paramount to mitigate exposure to biohazards or pathogen dissemination, addressing ecological and hygiene concerns. Inadequate experimental practices and substandard equipment may compromise safety.

Biosafety measures encompass regular audits of laboratory facilities and equipment compliance, and stringent adherence to laboratory safety protocols. Particularly for synthetic biology experiments, high-security facilities and equipment are indispensable to prevent accidental release of harmful chemicals or engineered organisms.

3. Laboratory Safety

Throughout experiments, all team members strictly adhere to specified criteria. For instance, fire safety precautions are observed during the use of electric heaters and microwaves, ensuring supervision and readiness to extinguish any fire promptly. The laboratory is well-equipped with fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets, and training is provided on their usage.

Training is also imparted on the proper use of equipment such as alcohol lamps and eyewash stations, along with other essential safety procedures. Bacterial operations are conducted within laminar flow hoods to ensure isolation from the external environment. Waste containing living organisms is autoclaved before disposal in designated medical waste bins, followed by transfer to designated institutions for further processing. Regular disinfection of glass apparatus is carried out, and personal protective gear such as rubber gloves, lab coats, long pants, and closed-toe shoes are mandatory during experiments. (Fig2)

Routine checks of water, electricity, fire safety, and air conditioning systems are conducted during experiment suspension. The laboratory undergoes cleaning and disinfection at least once a week and under necessary conditions.

4. Laboratory Safety-Related Facilities

Our laboratory is outfitted with advanced instruments including laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and personal protective equipment. Special waste receptacles are designated for contaminated waste, and medical bins for specific medical waste are readily available.

5. Procedure for Sterilization of Escherichia coli

In accordance with sanitation and epidemic prevention requirements, the use of disinfectants is crucial. Lab-specific chlorination tablets are utilized to eradicate Escherichia coli. Thorough checks ensure complete elimination of Escherichia coli. Special equipment for sterilization is present in the laboratory building's sewer system.

Prior to experiments, meticulous checks are conducted to ensure eligibility. Comprehensive disinfection procedures are followed to prevent bacterial contamination in the laboratory. After experiments, results are securely stored in designated areas, and useless engineered bacteria plates undergo thorough sterilization before disposal in medical waste bins.

6. Safety Education and Training

Before engaging in experiments, team members receive systematic safety training. This encompasses training on the proper usage of fire extinguishers, fire blankets, environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols, and medical waste sterilization. Training sessions are acknowledged and appreciated, particularly those provided by Professor Ren from Shandong University.

7. Safe Project Design

Before project design, all team members undergo biosafety training. Visual aids depicting safety instruments, as mentioned earlier, are displayed.

During the project realization, specific equipment and disinfectants such as autoclaves and 75% alcohol are employed to ensure biological safety within the laboratory. The project involves the utilization of non-pathogenic chassis, such as the BL21 strain. Engineered parts utilized in the project pose no harm to humans, animals, plants, or the environment.

In the proof-of-concept experiment, hazardous materials were not utilized. The prepared paper strip sensor utilizes a cell-free system, eliminating concerns about strain leakage into the environment. In summary, our project does not pose any harm to human beings or the environment.

8. Safe Laboratory Work

Prior to laboratory entry, team members don isolation attire, gloves, and shoe covers. Pre-experiment procedures involve thorough cleaning and disinfection of the laboratory. Goggles are worn while working in the laboratory, and bacterial strains are autoclaved and disposed of in medical waste bins. Post-experiment, used gloves and shoe covers are disposed of in medical waste. Isolation attire is removed, hands are cleaned and disinfected, and the laboratory is vacated.

No unconventional experiments were conducted, and no unusual safety issues were encountered.