To make beta cells able to face the attack of immune cells, we use an innovative approach to solve this problem. While using this approach, we make sure the solutions are safe in vivo and to the environment.
During the experimental process, we used DH5α competent E. Coli. It is not considered hazardous by the 2012 OSHA Hazard Communication Standard.
Our project made a lot of planning on how to apply this as a product in the future. Furthermore, we did research to prove it will not cause problems in the human body. While other projects decided to use their project outside the lab via implementation, our group decided not to bring the engineered organism out of the lab to prevent any problems that might happen to the environment. Choosing the option of not taking the organism out of the lab can reduce a lot of problems that can be a waste of energy together with a decrease in yield. For example, many iGEM teams select kill switch systems to reach environmental biosafety. A normal kill switch could experience leaky expression or malfunction of the gene, causing over-killing or under-killing of the engineered bacteria. In addition, expressing the kill switch is a waste of energy for the engineered bacteria. The mechanism of a kill switch causes the bacteria to produce poison and antidote (iGEM Pasteur_Paris) at all times just to stay alive. A lot of energy and materials would be consumed during the production process, which lowers the efficiency of bacteria functions. However, by producing everything in the lab allows the organism to reduce a lot of unneeded waste and increase the yield of the product.
All lab members wear gloves, lab coats, and safety goggles at all times. The lab is also equipped with emergency showers, eye washes, ventilators, fire blankets, and first aid kits. Dangerous experiments, if any, will be performed under supervision. The lab is classified as P1 (Protection level), where no substances that cause adverse effects on the human body will be used. This team follows the safety protocol provided by iGEM.
During interviews and surveys, participants must be aware if they have any symptoms related to COVID-19 and/or influenza. We increase the use of virtual events to replace in-person meetings to prevent any disease from spreading.