Wet Lab Training

Students performing wet lab experiments during iGEM were given a five-day training period by advisors to familiarize themselves with general biochemical techniques and safety precautions that have to be considered while conducting experiments in the lab. Furthermore, we consulted some experts to reduce the probability of risk occurrence through their lectures and training.

Operation Specification

We have conducted safety training on the use of hazardous chemicals, and have corresponding measures to collect and treat hazardous chemicals. All our reagents will be collected in special waste liquid drums after use, and a hazardous chemical treatment agency will regularly come to the laboratory to collect and treat the waste liquid. The treatment procedures are in accordance with the national and local laws and regulations. During the experiment, we make sure to wear lab coats, masks and gloves throughout the experiment and dispose of waste liquids is followed strict laboratory requirements.

Material Safety

First, our selected Escherichia coli belong to the low-risk strain and was approved by the US FDA as a safe genetically engineered receptor organism. They are currently widely used in scientific research and biological manufacturing production, and there have been no cases of environmental pollution and ecological impact due to leakage over the years. Second, CRISPR machinery is used to degrade specific intracellular DNA in an inducible and targeted manner. Once the engineered organism completes its task, it is useful to degrade the associated DNA to reduce environmental release. Additionally, we will do sterilization after the experiment, and the management will treat the drainage of the laboratory to prevent the spread of engineered microorganisms in the environment.

Reference

1. Santos, S. B.; Fernandes, E.; Carvalho, C. M.; Sillankorva, S.; Krylov, V. N.; Pleteneva, E. A.; Shaburova, O. V.; Nicolau, A.; Ferreira, E. C.; Azeredo, J., Selection and Characterization of a Multivalent Salmonella Phage and Its Production in a Nonpathogenic Escherichia coli Strain. Applied and Environmental Microbiology 2010, 76 (21), 7338-7342.

2. Caliando, B. J.; Voigt, C. A., Targeted DNA degradation using a CRISPR device stably carried in the host genome. Nature Communications 2015, 6, 6989.