Overview
Project Hyperion prioritizes the safety of our team members and our community. We have been committed to guaranteeing the safety and well-being of all parties involved since the project's beginning. Our strategy includes strict adherence to safety precautions, secured lab facilities that correspond to relevant rules, and extensive safety training for all team members.
Lab Safety Measures
In our wet lab, safety is a paramount concern, and we have implemented a series of stringent measures to ensure the well-being of our team and the integrity of our experiments. Our primary laboratory, located in Patras, is designated as a biosafety level 1 (BSL-1) facility, adhering to standard microbiological laboratory practices. Furthermore, we have two additional laboratories, both operating at a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) with moderate containment. These specialized spaces provide controlled environments that minimize the risk associated with potentially hazardous biological materials. In all our labs, we strictly enforce guidelines for lab access and conduct, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), controlled access protocols, and meticulous decontamination procedures. These measures collectively ensure that our wet lab operations are conducted with the highest regard for safety and biosecurity, allowing us to carry out our experiments effectively and responsibly.
Project Risks
Our project involves the use of various hazardous chemicals, including mutagens, highly flammable substances, and other potentially dangerous chemicals. While these materials pose inherent risks to human health and safety, our team has implemented rigorous safety protocols to mitigate these dangers effectively. For instance, we are aware that UV light can be mutagenic, so we took precautions by using protective gear and minimizing exposure during our experiments. Volatile substances, such as 2-mercaptoethanol, were exclusively handled within a laminar airflow cabinet, and specialized gloves were used to prevent any contact with the skin. We maintained sterile conditions through meticulous flame sterilization techniques. Importantly, none of these chemicals were intentionally inhaled or ingested during the course of our work.
As examples, our project involved the use of a range of chemicals, including Tris, SDS, and Glycine, which are essential components for various laboratory procedures such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Moreover, we utilized Western blotting reagents like Clarity Western ECL Substrate, nitrocellulose membranes, and Immun-Blot PVDF Membranes, all of which require careful handling due to their sensitivity and potentially harmful properties. Our commitment to adhering to safety measures, alongside the use of appropriate safety equipment and protocols, has allowed us to work with these hazardous materials confidently while minimizing any potential risks to our team and the environment.
Safety Measures
Our team placed great emphasis on minimizing the potential hazards associated with the use of different chemicals and reagents in our project, as safety was a top priority. To ensure that we were taking all necessary precautions, we sought the assistance of esteemed professors and postdoctoral researchers from our university's faculty, who acted as experts and provided us with invaluable guidance and supervision throughout the experimental process. Their expertise helped us to identify and manage any potential risks associated with our work.
When working with the various chemicals and reagents listed in our inventory, it is imperative to prioritize safety at all times. Mutagenic substances such as Tris, 2-mercaptoethanol, and SDS, as well as highly flammable chemicals like TEMED, demand special attention. Ensure that a well-ventilated fume hood or laminar flow cabinet is used when handling volatile substances like 30% Acrylamide/Bis Solution. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles to shield against potential hazards. When working with corrosive substances like Ammonium Persulfate (APS), exercise caution to prevent skin or eye contact, and be prepared with an eyewash station and safety shower nearby. Toxic chemicals like Triton X-100 Detergent should be handled under a fume hood, and it's vital to prevent inhalation or ingestion. Prioritize proper labeling and storage of these substances, and follow established waste disposal guidelines to minimize environmental impact. Regular safety training and continuous awareness of material safety data sheets (MSDS) are essential components of safe chemical handling practices. Consult with experienced colleagues or safety officers when in doubt about handling procedures. By strictly adhering to these safety measures, we can ensure the secure management of these chemicals throughout our project.
Handling cancer cell lines demands rigorous safety measures to protect both researchers and the environment. Cancer cells can be hazardous due to their potential for uncontrolled growth and the risk of contamination. To ensure safety, all personnel working with cancer cell lines receive comprehensive training in aseptic techniques and sterile procedures. This includes the use of biosafety cabinets and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles. Moreover, cell cultures are regularly monitored for any signs of contamination or abnormalities. Waste disposal follows strict guidelines, with contaminated materials and cell cultures disposed of properly to prevent any potential release into the environment. In addition to these measures, we utilize specialized UV light rooms for decontamination, especially in areas where incubators are located, to ensure that the workspace remains free from any harmful contaminants. Researchers also maintain meticulous records, including cell line documentation, to track the origin and passage of the cell lines. By adhering to these safety protocols and closely monitoring cancer cell cultures, we minimize the risks associated with handling these materials, ensuring a secure and controlled laboratory environment.
Furthermore, the bioethics board of our institution played an essential role in assessing and mitigating any risks associated with our project. They provided us with the necessary ethical and regulatory guidance to ensure that our work was conducted within the established guidelines and protocols. The board monitored the project closely, ensuring that all protocols were strictly followed and adhered to. Thanks to their oversight, our project was not only successful but also safe and ethical.
Our team has received extensive safety and security training from specialized staff. This training covers a variety of subjects such as lab access and regulations, biosafety levels, proper usage of biosafety equipment, appropriate cell culture techniques, disinfection and sterilization protocols, emergency procedures, and safe transportation of samples.
The rules established by governing bodies like the Greek government, the Ministry of Research, the European Union (GLP Good Laboratory Practice OECD), and our host institutions (University of Patras and National Technical University of Athens) have all been strictly followed by our institution and host laboratory. These rules include a variety of topics, such as specific training for every team member, detailed instructions on how to use the equipment, and regular meetings to discuss any ambiguities in our protocols.
We also have open lines of communication with the Biosafety and Bioethics committees to make sure that our initiative complies with the highest safety and ethical requirements. Our Project has also been approved for an observational study to test the biosensor's function on both healthy volunteers and cancer patients by the Ethics Committee of the Henry Dunant Private Hospital in Athens, Greece. Together, these efforts make sure that we are prepared and dedicated to carrying out our study in a safe and responsible manner, placing equal importance on the health of our team members and the integrity of our project.