Our project aims to develop a highly sensitive yeast biosensor capable of detecting copper ions across a wide concentration range using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae MAPK pathway for signal transduction. We conduct our work within a Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory, ensuring stringent safety protocols and environmental protection.

1.Biosafety Level-4: Our workspace operates within a Biosafety Level-4 laboratory, employing high containment measures such as biosafety cabinets and chemical fume hoods for handling biological materials.

2.Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All team members must pass a safety exam before accessing the lab. They strictly adhere to lab safety guidelines and wear appropriate PPE to ensure personal safety during experiments.

3.Waste Management: We rigorously follow waste disposal regulations, properly disposing of biowaste and chemical waste to minimize environmental impact.

1. Hazards of Copper Ions to Environment and Human Health

Copper ions can potentially contaminate water bodies and soil, impacting aquatic organisms and disrupting the ecological balance. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of copper ions can lead to acute or chronic poisoning, resulting in health issues such as gastrointestinal discomfort, neurological disorders, and liver damage.

2. Risk Management Measures

• Environmental Containment: Our project does not involve the release of copper ions beyond the laboratory, ensuring environmental safety.

• Safe Practices: Team members strictly follow safe practices to prevent direct contact with copper ions, minimizing the risk of harm and contamination.

• Waste Disposal: Waste is segregated and disposed of according to regulations to mitigate the environmental impact of copper ions.

3. Safety Management of Organisms

• Autonomous Dissemination Risk: There is a potential for our organisms to be inadvertently removed from the lab. However, safety training and strict lab management practices help mitigate this risk.

4. Laboratory Standards and Guidance

• Safety Training: Team members have completed lab safety training, acquiring knowledge in laboratory protocols, microbial techniques, disinfection, and sterilization.

• Expert Support: Our team receives guidance from our Principal Investigator and the institutional biosafety officer, ensuring adherence to standards and safety practices.

5. Emergency Response

Emergency Procedures: The lab is equipped with first aid supplies, allowing immediate response to cases of accidental copper ion exposure.

We pledge to continue adhering to lab safety protocols, actively participating in safety training, and following national and institutional regulations to maintain safe and controlled research and development. As the project progresses, we will continue to receive relevant safety and security training to ensure the safety of future applications.

Our project is supported by the Department of Laboratory Construction and Management at Nanjing Tech University, ensuring proper lab operation and safety management. Professor Guannan Liu, our Principal Investigator, serves as our lab safety and procedural consultant, bringing expertise in genetic engineering. Additionally, Mr. Zhang, the institutional biosafety officer, provides professional safety guidance.

We are committed to upholding the principle of safety first both within our team and externally, ensuring the safety and health of lab members, campus security, and environmental protection.