The UConn iGEM lab space is a BioSafety Level 1 area. This was the primary consideration in choosing the bacteria we could work with to transform and bacterial laccases that we choose. Project planning and literature review has allowed us to take steps in minimizing risk. The E. coli strain we have selected for transformation is a commonly used noncompetitive strain: BL21-DH5 alpha. Within the lab, we are working with low-risk strains of bacteria, generally non-toxic reagents, implement engineering controls, an ensure proper PPE is being worn.
The Environmental Health and Safety at the University of Connecticut govern the regulations regarding biosafety and biosecurity in laboratories. All lab members are required to undergo training to ensure that we are conduct proper biosafety lab procedures. We have consulted experts such as the Environment Health and Safety as well as the UCONN Wastewater Management facility to ensure proper handling of all lab materials and understanding of all water treatment procedures to best direct our project.
In the greater scope of the project, potential environmental risks was a primary hazard considered. Horizontal gene transfer can take place between recombinant and naturally occurring bacteria as well as genetic mutations, which may or may not be the result of environmental conditions. In terms of our project, this could happen within a wastewater treatment plant or after the final effluent has been discharged into waterways. However, it should be emphasized that this is a hypothetical situation because before implementing such an engineered bacteria in reality, extensive testing within the lab and subsequent approval for wider application is necessary. If our recombinant DNA and engineered organism was implemented into to wastewater facility, a light activated killswitch system would be included in plasmid design.