Safety

Wet Lab Safety

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The development of PARSE entailed following rigorous safety procedures. The team worked in a level I biosafety lab. Lab coats and gloves were worn as standard. Eye protection was used as needed, where a risk was identified. Members of the team underwent extensive training before commencing wet-lab experiments, and had easy access to the Perak team (including first aiders), experienced advisors, and PIs in case of any safety concerns. All laboratory waste was disposed of in line with University guidelines, with specific training on this aspect completed prior to lab work began.

PARSE's Safety

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To make the project safer, all wet-lab experiments were conceptualised only with non-pathogenic strains of E. coli (DH5-alpha and Lemo BL21) as chassis organisms, which are both Risk Group 1 organisms. Additionally, all the parts belong to the White List other than the growth slower genes, which iGEM check-in forms have been submitted for. None of them are inherently hazardous to humans, animals or plants.

Chemical Safety

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PPE was strictly followed when handling hazardous substances such as Virkon, Rubidium Chloride (\(\text{RbCl}\)) and several antibiotics. Non-carcinogenic gel stains Midori Green and SYBR Safe were used instead of ethidium bromide, and highly flammable compounds were stored separately in a suitable cabinet.

Legal Obligations

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PARSE followed national regulations outlined by the Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations of 2014. The team also filled out Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments as a requirement for wet-lab experiments, which were then reviewed by the project's PI.