Before Starting Our Wet Lab Work

We received general laboratory safety and safety training: showing us the location of safe showers, eyewashes, spills and hydrants, and emergency evacuation routes. Besides, we have received guidance on appropriate waste sorting, autoclaving and hazardous chemical waste programs.

When Working in the Laboratory

Before we enter the laboratory, we must first put on the lab clothes, gloves, and masks. We are not allowed to eat or drink in the laboratory, and we are not allowed to wear slippers. UV-resistant laboratory goggles must be worn when experimenting with harmful UV rays. In addition, we also have strict regulations on the treatment of experimental waste. All contaminated waste must be disinfected before it can be disposed of. For waste drugs, they are managed by the college.

Staff Requirements

The entire wet lab members previously worked in a lab with a biosafety level of 1 or 2. Every member entering the laboratory must pass the biosafety and biosecurity exams. Persons who do not comply with laboratory rules will lose their eligibility for experimentation immediately. Most importantly, adequate sleep should be maintained before the experiment.

Professional guidance

When dealing with new instruments or equipment, the laboratory safety officer (responsible person) demonstrates the correct use and provides supervision to ensure safe and proper execution. In addition, our PIs and instructors will check regularly to correct our mistakes in time.

Germ Information

The strain we selected is Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) from Vazyme Corporation. This is a non-pathogenic engineering strain of Escherichia coli that is close to "WT-wild-type" with less modification. BL21 (DE3) is Suitable for high-efficiency prokaryotic expression of genes cloned in expression vectors containing phage T7 promoters (such as pET series) and capable to express non-toxic proteins.

During Experiment

Our goal is to detect the Ochratoxin A(OTA) and degrade it. Everyone had learned about the appropriate method of operation at first. The source of the detection module and degradation module was synthesized by the company. During the whole experiment phase, we also paid attention not to release the engineered bacteria directly into the environment. Also, specimens were not released into the environment untreatedly.

When operating with OTA, we ensure that the laboratory meets safety requirements, including good ventilation, sufficient protective equipment, and emergency procedures. The experimenters wear appropriate protective clothing and gloves to avoid direct contact with the toxin. We store the toxin in a dry, cool, and sealed container, away from sunlight and heat sources. During handling, we follow proper safety protocols, such as using dedicated tools and equipment, to prevent inhalation or skin contact. We ensure that the concentration of OTA remains within a safe range to avoid potential harm to experimenters and the environment. Waste and residues generated during the experiment are disposed of properly according to relevant regulations. Toxin waste is classified, sealed, and labeled before being handed over to professional organizations for disposal or destruction.